SHILLONG, June 10: The Viksit Kisan Sampark Abhiyan (VKSA) campaign marked its 12th day in Meghalaya with active participation from 6,953 farmers across 63 villages and 14 blocks. Organised under the leadership of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the campaign focused on educating farmers on advanced agricultural techniques, government welfare schemes, and sustainable farming practices.
The VKSA programme is being spearheaded by agricultural scientists, KVK experts, and officials from various state departments with the aim of boosting farm productivity and encouraging the adoption of modern, eco-friendly practices. Technical sessions included discussions on integrated pest and disease management, organic farming, mushroom cultivation, soil health awareness, livestock vaccination, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Farmers were also exposed to a wide range of topics such as the Integrated Farming System (IFS), balanced fertilizer use, rainwater harvesting (Jalkund), vermi-composting, kitchen gardens, smart farming using ICT tools, vertical farming, and application of micronutrients. Practical demonstrations were held on the use of modern equipment and bio-enhanced techniques such as the SSP-CAU root-dipping method for rice transplantation.
A key highlight of the campaign was the distribution of educational material and technology handouts on topics like natural farming, citrus rejuvenation, buckwheat cultivation, low-cost evaporative cooling, millet production, and livestock management. Quality seeds of rice, millets, vegetables, and arecanut saplings were distributed to help farmers prepare for the upcoming Kharif season.
Farmers were also informed about a range of government schemes, including PM-KISAN, PMKSY, PKVY, the Soil Health Card scheme, and several state-sponsored development programmes covering tuber, vegetable, fruit, and spice cultivation.
District highlights
In East Garo Hills, teams from KVK West Garo Hills conducted lectures and seed distribution drives in villages like Jengjal, Samingre, Chidaretgre, Ganapara, Mukdangra Asimgre, and Bolsalgre Dengasi.
In South Garo Hills, farmer-scientist interactions were held at Dagal Songgital, while officials from the Horticulture department engaged with villagers in Daji Boldakgre, Daji Adugre, Bilgre, and Dingbingre. Topics included government schemes, plant protection, and indigenous technical knowledge.
In Ri-Bhoi, VKSA teams conducted outreach in nine villages, including Madanrtiang, Khliehumstem, Umsohlang, Shangbangla, Umskun, Pahamrioh, Nongkya, Umrong, and Nongjri.
In East Khasi Hills, three teams led by KVK scientists — S Marbaniang, A Lyngdoh, and S Malngiang — held awareness sessions in villages under Mylliem and Mawsynram blocks.
