With enthusiastic participation from the farming community, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Longleng is driving the nationwide Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) -2025 with unprecedented vigor. This flagship campaign, launched under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and guided by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, aims to empower Indian farmers with scientific knowledge, innovation, and inclusive growth strategies tailored to grassroots realities.
In just eight days, the VKSA campaign in Longleng has made remarkable progress, reaching 45 villages through nearly 70 intensive visits. A total of 11,051 farmers comprising 5,927 men and 5,124 women have actively participated in awareness campaigns, training, and field demonstrations. This massive outreach was made possible under the district Nodal officer Dr. Hari Charan Kalita, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK Longleng with guidance from Dr. Homeswar Kalita, Head of ICAR Nagaland Centre along with the dynamic leadership of Shri. W. Manpai Phom, NCS, Deputy Commissioner, Longleng, and supervision by Dr. S. Hazarika, Director of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region. The campaign is monitored and anchored by Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director of ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, and Dr. A. Mishra, Vice Chancellor, CAU Imphal.
Day 8 of the campaign, held on June 6, 2025, emerged as a historic and high-impact event, marking a turning point in the VKSA journey in Longleng. The programme was conducted at Orangkong village and witnessed the gracious presence of B. Bangtick Phom, MLA, Government of Nagaland, along with Y. B. Angam, President of Phom People Council, Longleng, and W. Manpai Phom, Deputy Commissioner of Longleng along with other public leaders. The presence of these distinguished dignitaries added prestige, energy, and strong public visibility to the campaign, boosting the morale of the local farming community.
The programme at Orangkong saw an overwhelming turnout, with 1,432 farmers attending in person, and 2,244 total registrations, which included 1,630 farmers from Orangkong and others from surrounding areas like Bahok and Shaule. This massive response reflected the deep trust farmers place in KVK Longleng’s initiatives.
B. Bangtick Phom commended the ICAR-KVK Longleng team for reaching remote and tribal communities with science-based knowledge. He emphasized that such initiatives are not only transforming agriculture but are also fostering confidence, self-reliance, and modernity among rural farmers. He encouraged the community to fully adopt the technologies and practices being shared, acknowledging that these would pave the way for long-term prosperity and food security in the region.
The training and demonstrations on Day 8 focused on region specific agricultural and livestock challenges. Technical sessions addressed Insect pest management of Maize, identification and control of leaf curl disease in chilli, soil management for cucurbit crops, and strategies to combat powdery and downy mildew in pumpkins. Vermi-composting techniques were showcased to promote sustainable organic manure production. Farmers were also trained on managing acid soils and learned value addition techniques for oranges, a crop with high regional potential.
In addition to crop-related interventions, the programme delivered essential livestock management knowledge, including deworming in pigs and dogs, castration procedures for better herd health, and nutritional practices like mineral supplementation in poultry. Farmers were also sensitized about the dangers of African Swine Fever (ASF) and how to prevent its spread. A live demonstration on the scope of agricultural drones highlighted the role of precision technology in modern farming, igniting curiosity and interest among young farmers.
The campaign has so far covered most parts of Longleng district, with only the Tamlu block left to be addressed in the coming days. Farmers, especially from remote tribal communities, have responded with great enthusiasm, actively adopting best practices in natural farming, scientific disease and pest management, and climate-resilient agriculture. The feedback collected from participants has been vital in shaping future programs and interventions by the KVK.
As VKSA-2025 continues to build momentum in Longleng, ICAR-KVK remains steadfast in its mission of taking science to the field. The campaign not only brings solutions to farmers but also strengthens their voice, vision, and value in India's agricultural transformation journey.
(Manjong, IA Longleng)
