Participants and dignitaries during one of outreach programmes at Sohomi in Phek district
Kohima, June 6 (MExN): In alignment with the nationwide campaign to strengthen Indian agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek (ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Medziphema), under ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, in colloaboration with the line departments and scientist from SAS Medziphema has launched an intensive awareness and outreach initiative under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) from May 29 to June 12, covering remote and ecologically sensitive villages across Phek and Meluri districts.
The campaign was officially launched at the national level on 29th May 2025 by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, with the aim of mobilizing rural farming communities to adopt sustainable, low-input agricultural practices.
The Abhiyan focuses on empowering farmers with knowledge of Natural Farming (NF), enhancing climate resilience, improving nutritional security, and promoting the use of indigenous crop varieties.
KVK Phek has taken the campaign to the grassroots, reaching some of the most remote and difficult-to-access villages in the districts, despite challenging terrain, poor road infrastructure, and the early onset of the monsoon. Field teams, consisting of agricultural scientists, technical staff, and extension workers, have been traveling across the hilly terrain to directly interact with farming households, village leaders, and local institutions.
As of June 6, 2025, the campaign has successfully covered 72 villages of Phek district.
During each village visit, the KVK team conducted awareness programmes, and farmer group discussions, on key topics such as, principles and practices of Natural Farming, use of traditional landraces for ecological sustainability, soil health management and bio-inputs, government schemes for farmer welfare and agricultural development, importance of indigenous knowledge systems in enhancing food and nutritional security.
The campaign highlighted the need for region-specific farming models that are both ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate. Farmers were also encouraged to share their own experiences, local innovations, and challenges faced in agriculture. The initiative helped foster mutual learning between scientists and the community, while building trust and opening pathways for further collaboration.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Head of KVK Phek, informed, the response from farmers has been highly encouraging.
Despite the difficult access, people are eager to learn and adopt methods that are both traditional and scientifically sound. This campaign is not just about awareness it's about co-developing solutions for sustainable agriculture rooted in local realities.
KVK Phek plans to continue its campaign in additional villages over the coming weeks, deepening engagement and facilitating connections between farmers, researchers, and government programmes.
Special emphasis will be placed on promoting climate-resilient farming practices, encouraging youth participation in agriculture, and strengthening women’s roles in local food systems, according to KVK Phek.
