ENA Sectors 2025-05-09 16:45:57 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, May 9 (KNN) </strong>The Indian government is set to launch a 15-day nationwide campaign, Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, from May 29 to June 12, aiming to engage 10-15 million farmers across 700 districts. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Announced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the initiative seeks to promote awareness of modern agricultural technologies and new seed varieties.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Approximately 2,000 teams, comprising farm scientists, state officials, and progressive farmers, will conduct three daily meetings at the district level. The goal is to reach 1-1.2 million farmers each day. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">To support this effort, around 3,100 agricultural scientists have been trained as master trainers to educate farmers on innovative practices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A special focus of the campaign will be on paddy-growing areas, emphasising direct-seed rice and other climate-resistant varieties. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Mobile soil testing labs will accompany the teams, providing farmers with on-the-spot soil assessments.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additionally, farmers will be encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences and lessons learned during the campaign.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) plans to convert 1 million hectares of traditionally direct-seeded rice fields to more scientific methods, potentially boosting rice production by 5 million tonnes. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This initiative aligns with the government's broader goal of increasing foodgrain production to 354 million tonnes in the 2025-26 crop season, up from 330.92 million tonnes in the current year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Minister Chouhan has emphasised the need for improved agricultural extension services to enhance productivity and has called upon all chief ministers to support the campaign's success. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The campaign will be monitored nationally through a dedicated cell to ensure its effectiveness and reach.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 42039 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/nationwide-seed-campaign-launched-to-reach-15-million-farmers-by-june-12-to-boost-agri-output 2025-05-09 16:45:57 knnindia.co.in