Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Wednesday morning, offering prayers before launching the nationwide initiative ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ — a campaign focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and farmers’ welfare.
Speaking to reporters after the temple visit, Chouhan said,
“The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ is being launched from the holy land of Lord Jagannath. We are going from village to village to ensure that the food reserves in the country remain full and the income of farmers increases. This is not just an agricultural campaign; it is a national mission to strengthen our Annadatas.”
The flagship programme, which is part of India’s broader goal of building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, will focus on knowledge sharing, sustainable practices, and support systems for farmers.
As part of the campaign, 2,170 expert teams—each consisting of at least four agricultural scientists and professionals—will travel to over 65,000 villages across 723 districts between May 29 and June 12.
These teams will Interact directly with farmers, Promote the use of modern agricultural techniques, Conduct soil testing and nutrient management demonstrations, Spread awareness about crop diversification, water-use efficiency, and government schemes.
The campaign is expected to create a grassroots-level impact by bridging the knowledge gap and encouraging a science-driven, profitable approach to farming.
Chouhan emphasized the symbolic importance of launching the initiative from Puri, home to Lord Jagannath, revered as the divine protector of crops and food security.
“The blessings of Lord Jagannath will inspire us to fulfill the dream of a food-secure and prosperous India,” he added.
The initiative aligns with the Centre’s ongoing focus on doubling farmers’ income, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and ensuring nutritional security for the nation.
