Empowering high-altitude farmers: Krishi Abhiyan reaches Spiti village

In a significant initiative to empower farmers in high-altitude and remote areas, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tabo — operating under Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, and supported by ICAR-ATARI Zone-I — launched the nationwide Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan from Komic village in Spiti. At 4,587 metres above sea level, Komic is the world’s highest village connected by a motorable road.

The outreach programme, which will run from May 29 to June 12, 2025, was inaugurated by Shikha Simtia, Additional Deputy Commissioner. The 15-day campaign aims to bring scientific agricultural practices and awareness about government schemes to farmers living in ecologically fragile and hard-to-reach areas. It forms part of a larger initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, to promote inclusive agricultural development.

During the launch, Dr RS Spehia, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Tabo, along with scientist Ankita Dhiman and Sujata Negi from ATMA, led interactive sessions with farmers. Key topics included improved farming methods, soil testing, climate-resilient crop varieties, natural farming, and water-efficient irrigation practices. Farmers also received information on various Central and State government schemes meant to support agricultural development in challenging terrains.

In her address, Shikha Simtia urged farmers to adopt sustainable and innovative agricultural techniques to reduce stress on limited natural resources, especially water and soil. She also called on local panchayat leaders to assist the KVK team with logistics and mobilize farmer participation. Chhering Paldan, Pradhan of Langza Panchayat, pledged full support to the initiative and promised to encourage farmers to embrace scientific farming.

The KVK team also visited Tashigang, the world’s highest polling station, where they organized a similar outreach programme. Farmers there discussed challenges in pea and barley cultivation, and the KVK team offered practical solutions. These interactions will guide future research and extension programmes suited to high-altitude conditions.

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan reflects the government’s dedication to bridging the knowledge gap in remote farming communities. By reaching regions like Spiti, the campaign reinforces the mission of sustainable agriculture, ecological preservation, and farmer empowerment in even the most remote parts of the country.