Scientists, experts engage with over 670 Karnal farmers under ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’

A group of scientists and agriculture experts on Monday visited various village clusters—Dakwala, Nalipar Tilla and Dabarki—and interacted with farmers under the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, launched by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Under the leadership of Dr Dheer Singh, Vice-Chancellor of ICAR-NDRI, the team comprised Dr Ajay Dang, Principal Scientist at ICAR-NDRI; Dr Omvir Singh, Principal Scientist at ICAR-IIWBR; Dr Pooja, Senior Scientist at the Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI) Regional Centre, Karnal; Ashwani from KVK ICAR-NDRI; Dr Vikram; Dr Baljeet; Dr Gourav Mahla, Block Agriculture Officer; Dr Ranbir Rana; and others from the Agriculture Department. They interacted with more than 670 farmers. Dr Dang explained to the farmers that supplementing lactating cows with mineral mixtures is essential, as it helps increase milk production, achieve peak yield earlier and improves conception rates. “Supplementing pregnant cows with mineral mixtures is essential for supporting both maternal health and optimal foetal development,” he added. Dr Pooja spoke about a newly released sugarcane variety, healthy seed production, soil health cards and nutrient management. She also highlighted millet cultivation as a route to sustainable agriculture and discussed balanced diets in human health for better nutrient absorption and overall well-being. Dr Omvir Singh elaborated on the benefits of incorporating barley into daily diets and informed farmers about a newly released husk-less barley variety. He also discussed rice and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) cultivation and better management of settled transplanting to achieve higher yields. Farmers were also informed about various state and central government schemes designed to support agriculture—including fruit and vegetable cultivation, the PM Bima Yojana, the micro-irrigation scheme and soil health cards. Additionally, they were briefed on schemes offering 25-50 per cent subsidy for animal rearing. Experts also emphasised the importance of hygiene around livestock, proper use of milking machines and clean milk practices. Separately, NDRI Director Dr Dheer Singh, accompanied by scientists and experts from various institutions, visited different villages and highlighted the objectives of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. He also shared information on research initiatives and available government schemes. “The government’s efforts to educate farmers about schemes and research can help improve agricultural productivity, and ultimately, it will benefit the farming community,” said the Director.

Haryana Tribune