Sri Vijaya Puram, May 29: In a significant step towards agricultural development and farmers’ empowerment, the National Level Pre-Kharif campaign titled ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ was launched today, across all zones in Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a ceremonial flag-off of specially designed Krishi Rath (awareness vehicles) in alignment with its nationwide rollout marking the beginning of a widespread awareness campaign to empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
At South Andaman Zone, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan was inaugurated at the Community Hall of Chouldari Gram Panchayat. The event was graced by the chief guest, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, who formally inaugurated the programme with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in agricultural development and farmer empowerment in the region. In his address, he directed the scientists to conduct research on local fruits and directed the Department to promote such fruit among the farmers. He also urged the Department to provide chemical fertilizers and pesticides to boost the productivity of agricultural crops.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Apurva Sharma, Director of Agriculture, highlighted the significance of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in empowering farmers with knowledge and resources. He emphasized the Department’s commitment to supporting farmers through innovative practices, capacity building, and effective implementation of agricultural schemes to ensure long-term sustainability and growth in the sector. He stressed on implementation of three important schemes i.e. PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Digital Agriculture. He highlighted the various events to be organized during the campaign like wide publicity through displaying the banners on the buses plying to rural areas, screening of information on GoI Schemes in Inter Island boats. The other events like Sports competition, Nukkad Natak during evening campaigns.
The programme was also addressed by Shri Vinayak, Chamadia, Sub- Divisional Magistrate, South Andaman. In his address, he said that this is a comprehensive programme aiming to increase the income of the farmer. Dr. E.B.Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, in his address, emphasized that the Abhiyan is a group work , wherein all the stakeholder Departments will make all efforts for the benefit of the farmers. The officials of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Fisheries & KVK also briefed about various schemes implemented by their respective Department. A farmer interaction session was also held during the programme.
As part of the programme, a Krishi Rath was ceremoniously flagged off by Smti Tapasi Saha, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Chouldari in the presence of Shri Vinayak, Chamadia, Sub- Divisional Magistrate, South Andaman, Director of Agriculture, A&N Administration, PRI members and other dignitaries, marking the commencement of the awareness campaign with great enthusiasm and community participation. A fruit sapling was also planted by the dignitaries in the name of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
Similar programme was also organized at Tushnabad Gram Panchayat, wherein the Secretary (Agriculture), A&N Administration inaugurated the programme. In her address, she encouraged farmers to make full use of the information provided during the Abhiyan, highlighting that it would help improve farming practices, boost productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Shri Anand Amrit Raj, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Tushnabad, lauded the efforts of Agriculture Department for organizing such programme under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. He appreciated the initiative aimed at educating and empowering farmers and urged all farmers to actively participate and gain knowledge regarding the schemes delivered by different Departments. Dr. K.A. Naveen, Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, highlighted the crucial role of livestock in enhancing farmers’ income and promoting integrated farming systems. The programme was also attended by representatives from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Scientists from ICAR, CIARI & KVK.
Similar to the programme in the South Andaman District, other districts also organized awareness camps.
Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Car Nicobar inaugurated the programme in the presence of Shri Lionel Nicomade, Chief, Car Nicobar Tribal Council. At Rangat, it was inaugurated by Shri Vikas Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Rangat. At Nancowrie by Smti Ayesha Majid, Chief Tribal Council, Nancowrie, in the presence of Shri Charles Jacob, Chief Tribal Council, Kamorta whereas in Campbell Bay, the programme was inaugurated by Up Pramukh, Shri Sanjay Ekka. At Hut Bay, Shri Ajoy Mondal, Tehsildar, inaugurated the Abhiyan. At Mayabunder, the Abhiyan was inaugurated by Shri Ashish Joon, Assistant Commissioner and at Diglipur, Shri Kamleshwar Rao, IAS, Assistant Commissioner, Diglipur inaugurated the programme in the presence of PRI members of Diglipur.
In all the zones, the event witnessed active participation of officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Fisheries, representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and a large number of local farmers.
Each flagged-off Krishi Rath will travel through rural areas, conducting outreach activities like awareness sessions for farmers. The focus is to empower them with updated knowledge about crop diversification, Government schemes, soil health, irrigation management, and sustainable farming methods.
Altogether, 12 awareness camps were organized today across Andaman & Nicobar Islands by the Department of Agriculture, A&N Administration in coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, District Administration, Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Department of Fisheries.
Altogether 898 farmers attended the 12 awareness camp conducted throughout the Island.
The programme will continue in various phases across blocks and villages, during 29th May to 12th June, 2025, ensuring that every farmer gains access to relevant information and support systems for holistic agricultural development.