Govt launches Krishi Kalyan Abhiyan

New Delhi: In an attempt to accomplish Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mission of doubling farmers' income by 2022, the Agriculture Ministry on Monday launched Krishi Kalyan Abhiyaan to

assist and advice farmers on how to improve their farming techniques and raise their incomes.

According to a senior official, the two-month long campaign, which kick-started on June 1, would be undertaken in 25 villages with more than 1,000 populations each in all 111 aspirational districts identified in consultation with Rural Development Ministry as per the directions of NITI Ayog.

"An action plan comprising specifically identified activities under various departments of the Agriculture Ministry would be implemented in 25 villages of each district. The departments that would be providing their support to farmers in increasing their income include Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry Dairying & Fisheries (DAHD&F) and Department of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE-ICAR)," the official said.

"The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is the nodal agency for the overall coordination and implementation of the scheme in 25 villages of a district. The government has assigned 111 officers for all the districts as in-charge for overall coordination and field level monitoring," the official said.

Explaining about different activities to promote best practices and enhance agriculture income activities during the campaign, the official said, "Soil Health Cards would be distributed to all farmers, 100 per cent coverage of bovine vaccination for foot and mouth disease (FMD), 100 per cent coverage of sheep and goat for eradication of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in each village would be ensured during the drive."

Besides, distribution of mini kits of pulses and oilseeds to all, distribution of horticulture/agroforestry/bamboo plant at the rate Rs 5 per family in specific areas would be done during the Krishi Kalyan Abhiyaan which would conclude on July 31, the official added.