Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan Covers 122 Villages, Benefits Over 30,000 Farmers in Mysuru District
Dr. K.H. Ravi, Joint Director, Agriculture Department inaugurating the District-level Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan program, at JSS Sabha Bhavana, in T. Narasipura. (From left to right) Progressive farmers Sri Shivamallappa, Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR JSS KVK, Dr. Nagaraju, Deputy Director, Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Sri Manjunath Angadi, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, Mysuru, Dr. Kajal Shankaroy, Senior Scientist, ICAR NIAPN Institute, Sri Kurubur Siddesh and Smt. Mahadevamma are seen in the picture.
Suttur, June 12, 2025: The Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, organized by the ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in association with the Agriculture Department and other allied departments of Mysuru, was held at the JSS Sabha Bhavan in T. Narasipura on June 11, 2025.
In his introductory remarks, Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head of JSS KVK, informed the gathering that the campaign commenced on May 29, 2025, with the blessings of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji. Since its inception, the Abhiyan has covered 122 villages and conducted 366 meetings, directly benefitting 30,204 farmers. The campaign aims to disseminate information about modern agricultural technologies and ongoing research in laboratories, thereby increasing awareness among farmers regarding advanced techniques and new seed varieties in various crops.
Dr. Gnanesh further noted that agriculture scientists from research institutes, officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries, representatives from the Panchayat Raj Department, NGOs, and several progressive farmers have extended their support and participated in the program.
Presiding over the event, Dr. K.H. Ravi, Joint Director, Agriculture Department, emphasized the urgent need to address soil health, stating that 52.07% of the soil in Mysuru district is unhealthy, with only 48% considered healthy. He advised farmers to undertake timely soil health assessments and adopt measures to improve soil quality. He also highlighted various government insurance schemes and urged farmers to utilize these benefits.
Sri Manjunath Angadi, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, served as the Chief Guest. He elaborated on the core objectives of the Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and how various allied departments are collaborating to ensure its success. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of the loan facilities and schemes available through the Horticulture Department.
Dr. Nagaraju, Deputy Director, Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, spoke about the 13-day district-wide campaign, wherein a team of experts from multiple departments, along with JSS KVK officials, is sharing crucial insights with farmers on crop and livestock diseases.
Dr. M.J. Chandregowda, Principal Scientist at ICAR–Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bengaluru, participated as a special invitee. He stressed that agriculture is the backbone of India, and true national empowerment can only be achieved by empowering farmers. He noted that India continues to depend on other nations for several agricultural products, and there is an urgent need to strive for self-sufficiency in agriculture. He advised farmers to conduct soil testing at least once a year and apply nutrients accordingly.
Dr. Kajal Shankaroy, Senior Scientist at ICAR-National Animal Nutrition Institute (NAINP), Bengaluru, shared her experiences from the field visits conducted during the Abhiyan. She remarked that interactions with farmers in their villages provided valuable insights into the real-world impact of ongoing research, which would motivate researchers to enhance their efforts further.
Progressive farmers such as Sri Kurubur Siddesh, Smt. Mahadevamma, and Sri Shivamallappa were present on the dais. Kirgasuru Sri Shankar raised several farmer-related issues during the interactive session with departmental officials. An agricultural implements exhibition was also organized as part of the event.
Staff members from JSS KVK, officials from the agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and veterinary departments, and more than 600 farmers, including Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis, actively participated in the program.
Dr. B.N. Gnanesh extended a warm welcome, Dr. G.M. Vinay proposed the vote of thanks, and Dr. Y.P. Prasad served as the master of ceremonies.