Major push for modern farming
Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan Launched from Puri and Bhubaneswar: India has launched an ambitious movement — the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) — with the goal of transforming agriculture using science and innovation. This campaign was flagged off by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Puri and later expanded at the ICAR-CIFA centre in Bhubaneswar. The campaign aligns with the broader vision of making India a developed nation by empowering the agricultural sector.
Taking lab to land
The heart of VKSA is the principle of Lab to Land, where scientists directly engage with farmers. This idea aims to close the gap between modern agricultural research and traditional farm practices. For example, instead of keeping advanced seed technologies in labs, scientists will now visit over 700 districts and interact with more than 1.5 crore farmers.
This is a first-of-its-kind outreach in India, set to run from May 29 to June 12, 2025. During this period, farmers will get hands-on guidance about new techniques, and scientists will collect real-time feedback from fields — a two-way street of learning.
Full backing from the government
Minister Chouhan reassured that no shortage of funds would stall agricultural research. He described field visits by scientists as service to the Annadatas, the food-givers of India. His message was clear — science should walk hand-in-hand with farmers to ensure self-sufficiency in food production.
Better seeds and smarter farming
One of the goals is to promote the use of better-quality seeds to boost yield. This includes high-yielding, pest-resistant seed varieties developed by institutions like ICAR. Farmers were encouraged to talk freely with scientists, understand the latest practices, and adapt them in their fields.
Focus on fisheries too
At ICAR-CIFA Bhubaneswar, Chouhan highlighted the potential of fisheries in improving rural income. He launched CIFA Argu VAX-I, a new fish vaccine that promises to shield aquatic species from major diseases. This is crucial, especially when India’s aquaculture sector is rapidly expanding.
Record-breaking foodgrain production
India has seen a jump in agricultural output this year, with 3,539.59 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains produced — a rise of over 216 lakh tonnes from last year. This surplus ensures that 145 crore Indians can be well-fed, underlining India’s growing role as a global food provider.
Beginning with spiritual touch
The campaign began at Puri, home to Lord Jagannath, lending a symbolic and spiritual start. Minister Chouhan offered prayers, participated in a Tiranga Yatra, and planted trees — blending patriotism, ecology, and tradition into the launch of VKSA.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Topic | Details |
MoU Between | IIT Kharagpur (India) & IME under A*STAR (Singapore) |
Signed At | SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 |
Focus Areas | Post-CMOS, AI hardware, Quantum devices, Chip packaging |
Key Indian Initiative Linked | Make in India, Digital India |
IIT Kharagpur Founded | 1951, First IIT in India |
IME Parent Body | A*STAR, Singapore |
Training Scope | Workshops, exchange programs, talent development |
Strategic Goal | Boost semiconductor research and strengthen bilateral ties |
Singapore’s Global Status | Known as a semiconductor hub in Southeast Asia |
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