Kochi: As scientists working closely with farming communities, the Union Government anticipates a measurable rise in income levels and overall rural prosperity, ICAR Deputy Director General (Animal Science) Dr Raghavendra Bhatta has said.
“The ongoing ‘Lab to Land’ initiative under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan would significantly enhance productivity in the coming seasons. A substantial rise in output is expected across crops, animal husbandry and fisheries”, Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, who is also VKSA Coordinator for Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep, said.
Technological innovations and scientific solutions being introduced among the farming community across 700 districts in the country would play a crucial role in transforming India’s agricultural landscape, he added.
“Under this initiative, scientists and experts from research institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras are engaging directly with farmers, understanding their issues, and offering on-site solutions. This landmark initiative will pave the way for widespread adoption of advanced farming techniques, refining farming practices and efficient resource management, ultimately leading to quality production across crops,” he said.
The central government is committed to enhancing farmers’ income by increasing production across crops in agriculture and allied sectors, he added.
Scientists and experts from 113 ICAR institutes and 731 KVKs, officials from state-level departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries, as well as innovative farmers, are part of this campaign, he said.
CMFRI scientists are utilising this opportunity to popularise its cutting-edge technologies in cage fish farming, marine ornamental fish farming, seaweed cultivation, etc.
By integrating scientific innovations with indigenous farming knowledge, the VKSA is projected to have a manifold impact on the country’s agriculture and allied sectors in increasing crop yields, enhancing livestock productivity and boosting aquaculture output.
