ICAR-CRIJAF Leads Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in West Bengal

31 May 2025, Barrackpore

In a major stride towards inclusive and sustainable agricultural development, the ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, is spearheading the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan across four districts of West Bengal North 24 Parganas, Burdwan, Bankura, and Coochbehar. A dedicated team of 19 scientists and Subject Matter Specialists from ICAR-CRIJAF and its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) is leading this extensive outreach campaign to empower farmers through village-level interactions and on-ground demonstrations.

The campaign is focused on transferring research-based technologies and best practices in crop production, livestock, fisheries, and jute cultivation to enhance productivity, income, and resilience among small and marginal farmers. Farmers were also sensitized about government schemes and encouraged to subscribe to multilingual agro-advisories offering timely guidance on crop, weather, and pest management.

Key technologies promoted included flood-tolerant rice varieties like ‘Swarna Sub1’, short-duration ‘Shatabdi’, zero tillage, and SRI methods. Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management (INM/IPM) practices were advocated to boost soil health and reduce costs. In horticulture, high-density planting, drip irrigation, and low-cost protected cultivation were demonstrated, along with solar drying and fruit processing for value addition.

In the fisheries sector, technologies like composite fish culture, carp polyculture, biofloc systems, and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) were highlighted. For animal husbandry, initiatives included mobile veterinary clinics, artificial insemination, and promotion of improved fodder varieties like CO-4 and hybrid Napier.

Given jute’s vital role in the region, ICAR-CRIJAF showcased innovations including high-yielding jute varieties (JRO 204, JRC 321), mechanized tools like the CRIJAF Nail Weeder and Seed Drill, and post-harvest technologies like CRIJAF SONA microbial consortium and eco-friendly retting tanks. Farmers were also introduced to value addition through jute-based crafts, biomass utilization, and support for rural start-ups with model units and machinery.

(Source: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore)