Union Agriculture Minister to Lead VKSA Campaign in Telangana
As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) outreach drive by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will visit Hyderabad on June 9, 2025. His visit aims to deepen engagement with farmers and promote technology-driven agriculture across Telangana.
This high-impact visit will include site interactions in Ranga Reddy district, where the Minister will meet local farmers and encourage the adoption of scientific farming techniques.
What Is VKSA?
Launched by ICAR, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a nationwide initiative from May 29 to June 12, 2025, focusing on disseminating agricultural innovations during the Pre-Kharif season. It is a flagship step toward Viksit Bharat @2047, with a mission to connect 1.5 crore farmers with the latest agricultural research and field applications.
🔗 Learn more on ICAR’s official page
Minister’s Telangana Visit Highlights
Shri Chouhan will start the day by visiting the ICAR – Indian Institute of Millet Research in Rajendranagar. Here, he will:
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Lay the foundation stone for new agri-research facilities
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Tour ongoing millet research labs
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Participate in a tree plantation ceremony
Later, the Minister will head to the VKSA outreach sites in Mansanpally and Ramachandraguda villages, followed by a major Farmers Chaupal at Kallem Jangareddy Gardens, Mangalpalli Village, in Ibrahimpatnam.
This Chaupal will serve as a platform for farmers to directly engage with policymakers and scientists about sustainable farming, resource efficiency, and climate-smart agriculture.
Key Leaders and Stakeholders Attending
Joining Shri Chouhan will be:
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Shri Bhagirath Chaudhary, MoS for Agriculture, Govt. of India
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Shri Thummala Nageswara Rao, Telangana’s Agriculture Minister
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Shri M. Kodanda Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Agriculture Commission
Senior ICAR officials like Dr. M. L. Jat, Dr. AK Nayak, Dr. DK Yadava, and Dr. A. Velmurugan will also attend the programme.
Empowering Farmers Through Technology
The VKSA campaign in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry is being coordinated by ICAR-ATARI, Zone X, Hyderabad. It is supported by:
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Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
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ICAR Institutes
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State Agricultural Universities
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Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries & Animal Husbandry
More than 1,500 farmers and farm women are expected to join the sessions. These interactions aim to bridge the gap between lab research and field practice, offering practical takeaways on soil health, integrated pest control, and climate-resilient cropping systems.
Innovation Exhibition and Showcase
An agri-tech exhibition will run alongside the event. It will feature innovations from:
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Telangana’s KVKs
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ICAR institutes in Hyderabad
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Regional farming cooperatives
The exhibition will showcase modern tools, organic inputs, precision irrigation models, and digital advisory platforms for farmers.
Conclusion: Marching Toward Viksit Bharat
With just days left before the VKSA campaign concludes, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Telangana visit reaffirms the Centre’s commitment to grassroots empowerment in agriculture. As the campaign converges science, policy, and practice, the focus remains clear—building a self-reliant and technologically robust rural India.