Car Nicobar, May 30: The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025 (Pre-Kharif Campaign) was inaugurated in a grand and well-coordinated manner on 29th May 2025 at the Community Hall, Perka and Big Lapathy village, Car Nicobar, the district headquarters of Nicobar, parallel inaugural events were also successfully organized in Campbell Bay and Nancowry divisions by Team Campbell Bay and Team Nancowry, respectively. The programme is a part of the nationwide initiative under the Viksit Karishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025, aimed at transforming agriculture through science, awareness, and outreach.
The inaugural function at Car Nicobar was jointly organized through the collaborative efforts of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra- CIARI, Nicobar, and the Departments of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Veterinary. The event saw active participation from more than 150 farmers, SHG members, officials, and youth. It began with farmers’ registration and the ceremonial welcome of guests, followed by lighting of the lamp.
Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Nicobar, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the core objectives of the campaign and emphasizing its significance in advancing agricultural innovation in the Nicobar Islands.
Shri Lionald Nicomed, Chairman, Tribal Council, Car Nicobar, delivered a motivational address as the Guest of Honour, emphasizing the importance of farmer participation and encouraging adoption of scientific and government-supported practices. He appreciated the effort of KVK and associated departments in delivering services to the grassroots level.
The Chief Guest, Shri Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar, in his keynote address, lauded the initiative as a vital step toward inclusive agricultural development. He stated, “The Rath Yatra under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is not merely a campaign, it’s a commitment to our farmers. By bringing information, inputs, and innovation to the grassroots, we are bridging the gap between policy and practice. I urge every farmer to actively engage in this journey toward self-reliance and prosperity”.
The event included the distribution of critical inputs such as soil health cards, fishery licenses, ID cards, chicks, animal feed, mineral supplements, and high-quality seeds, to support integrated and improved farming systems.
A formal vote of thanks was proposed by Shri C. Vinod Kumar, Assistant Director, Agriculture Department, acknowledging all contributors and departments. The function concluded with the ceremonial flag-off of the Rath Yatra by Shri Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar, symbolizing the formal launch of the campaign across the district. This was followed by informative presentations on farmer-centric schemes and innovative technologies by line departments and ICAR-KVK Nicobar.
The programme was successfully conducted under the esteemed guidance and leadership of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR–CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, whose continued support and vision have been instrumental in driving agricultural development across the islands.