Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan Empowers Farmers in Takling, Darjeeling; 09th June 2025.

Over 200 farmers and students from eight villages in the Rongli – Rongloit Block gathered in Takling – I to participate in the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a national campaign aimed at empowering rural communities through sustainable agriculture, scientific awareness, and farmer-centric policies.

Organised by ICAR-CIFRI, in collaboration with Takling I Gram Panchayat and Sittong Multi Agro-Horticulture Processing REH Society, the event facilitated discussions on crucial aspects of agriculture, including area-specific farming techniques, water-saving cropping systems, soil health management, and hill fisheries development.

A highlight of the programme was the session on hill fisheries, organic farming, and horticulture, emphasising innovative practices suitable for the fragile yet dynamic ecosystem of the Himalayan Region. The event also featured interactive sessions, enabling farmers and fishers to share indigenous knowledge, discuss local challenges, and engage directly with scientists and agricultural experts.

The event was graced by distinguished guests such as Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; Ms. Chandni Tamang, Pradhan of Takling I Gram Panchayat; Mr. Bikram Pradhan, Chairman of Rama Anchol Society; and Mr. Sandip Kumar Das, Founder & Director of Verna Jyoti Educare, among others. Their insights provided valuable technical guidance and motivation to the attending farmers. The programme concluded with a collective pledge by all the participants to adopt sustainable and organic farming practices, reaffirming their commitment to ecological stewardship and community-driven development.

This event marks a significant step in promoting self-reliant, climate-resilient livelihoods in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions. The Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening agricultural communities through knowledge-sharing, innovation, and sustainability.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)’s on-going nationwide outreach initiative “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA)” aims to bridge the gap between agricultural research and grassroot practices by directly connecting scientific advancements with farmers, thereby contributing to the realisation of the ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ vision. The nationwide campaign is being implemented vide collective efforts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs), ICAR Institutes, regional research centres, and State Agricultural Universities, in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries of the respective states.

Tackling I is the gram panchayat of Takling Khasmahal village, which boasts of a total geographical area of 229.86 hectares, and a modest population of 1200 – with the sex ratio around 937 females per 1,000 males.

A phenomenal interest was observed amongst the female members, who are striving relentlessly in emphasising on empowering the women within Gram Panchayats, both through elected positions and through their participation in various committees and initiatives. This includes efforts to increase their economic independence and confidence. These efforts of the women resonate with the ideology of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sashakt Mahila, Sashakt Panchayat leads to Sashakt Bharat”.

Team Maverick.