VKSA campaign reaches 7,000 farmers across Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 4, 2025

With the goal of transforming rural livelihoods through scientific farming, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) continued its momentum in Meghalaya, marking its sixth day with impactful outreach across 63 villages in 14 blocks. A total of 7,008 farmers and rural participants took part in the campaign, which focused on strengthening agricultural practices through knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, and awareness of government support mechanisms.

The technical sessions covered a comprehensive range of topics, including pre-Kharif season planning, quality seed production and planting, vegetable cultivation, crop diversification, plant protection methods, and cultivation of high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties such as Megha Maize 1 and 2, Bhalum upland rice, millets, ginger, strawberries, and perilla. Farmers also received guidance on livestock care, vaccination schedules for pigs, poultry, goats, and cattle, artificial insemination, hygienic animal rearing, insurance schemes, and meat processing. Integrated farming systems, conservation of indigenous landraces, orchard management, use of Trichoderma, and mushroom cultivation were also discussed.

The sessions further introduced participants to modern agricultural tools and technologies, including the use of nano fertilizers, drones, controlled environment agriculture, and custom hiring centers. Emphasis was laid on smart farming using ICT tools, balanced use of fertilizers, soil health management, eco-friendly pest control, composting, and vertical farming. Farmers were also sensitized to the importance of nutritional gardening and dietary diversity through Nutri Thali, along with the role of climate-resilient traditional cultivars in coping with natural calamities.

In East Khasi Hills district, Dr. B.P. Singh, Head of Division, DTAC, ICAR RC for NEH, Umiam, joined Team 2 in Mawryngkneng C&RD Block, where biofungicides were distributed to local farmers. A campaign rally was also organized from Sieijiong to Tynring village, accompanied by the campaign vehicle and enthusiastic participation from villagers.

Extension literature was distributed on a wide array of subjects including organic management of Lakadong turmeric, millet and buckwheat cultivation, rearing of fish species like Labeo gonius and Cyprinus carpio, soil and water conservation, low-cost polyhouse structures, Jalkund water harvesting, pig rearing (Lumsniang variety), citrus rejuvenation, and integrated nutrient management. Manuals on the application of agricultural machinery, pest and disease management, and good agricultural practices tailored for Meghalaya’s soil and climate were also shared widely.

Farmers were informed about various government schemes designed to support agriculture and rural development. These included central schemes such as PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Cards, the Soil Health Card Scheme, NFSM, NMEO, PMFME, MOVCD-NER, MIDH, and PMKSY, as well as state-specific initiatives like the State Rice Mission, Citrus Rejuvenation Scheme, Floriculture Mission, Crop Insurance, Packhouse Scheme, Fruit and Vegetable Development Schemes, Plant Protection Scheme, and Spice Development Scheme.

Additionally, farmers received quality seeds of rice, vegetables, and millets, along with climate-resilient rice varieties, to prepare for the upcoming Kharif season. The outreach enabled them to explore newer avenues in farming and adapt to emerging challenges using modern techniques.

The VKSA campaign not only built awareness but also encouraged direct interaction between farmers and agricultural experts. This helped promote the adoption of sustainable and efficient farming practices that are expected to enhance productivity, improve income, and contribute to food and nutritional security in rural Meghalaya.