The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – a nationwide initiative aimed at modernizing agriculture and empowering farmers – was formally launched in Zunheboto district on May 29, 2025, by Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof JK Patnaik. The inaugural event was graced by Atsung Walling, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Akuluto, and is being coordinated by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Zunheboto.
The campaign in Zunheboto is being implemented in collaboration with various agricultural and allied departments, including experts from the Central Agricultural University (CAU) Jalukie, SAS, technical staff from NRC on Mithun, and the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema.
VKSA is designed to bridge the gap between scientific agricultural research and grassroots farming practices by ensuring that innovations and government schemes reach farmers directly. The campaign’s core objectives include empowering farmers through direct engagement with scientists and policymakers, promoting modern agricultural technologies suited to local conditions, encouraging the use of Soil Health Cards for balanced fertilization and crop planning, raising awareness about beneficial government schemes, and collecting feedback from farmers for research and policy refinement.
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A statement issued by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK, Nagaland University revealed that teams of experts are visiting villages across the district to interact with farmers, educate them on sustainable farming practices, and demonstrate improved technologies for major kharif crops. In Zunheboto, where agriculture is the primary livelihood, this hands-on approach is proving critical in making scientific knowledge accessible and practical for farmers.
Farmers in the district have been introduced to a wide range of sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of high-yielding seed varieties, improved livestock breeds, Mithun production and management, crop and livestock disease control, post-harvest technologies, and efficient resource use. The campaign has placed special emphasis on climate-resilient and science-based techniques to boost productivity and ensure long-term sustainability.
Besides, VKSA teams have highlighted the importance of Soil Health Cards, provided insights on government support schemes, and discussed opportunities for market linkages to enhance farmers’ incomes. Feedback collected from farmers is also guiding future research and policy direction, making the initiative more responsive to local agro-climatic needs.
Despite challenging weather conditions since the launch, five dedicated teams have successfully reached out to 127 villages across eight blocks in the district, covering 4,205 farmers. The campaign is expected to reach the remaining villages before its conclusion.
