State-Level Workshop at ICAR-CMFRI Finalises VKSA Action Plan for Kerala & Lakshadweep
A state-level workshop to finalize the strategic roadmap for Kerala and Lakshadweep under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) was held in a hybrid mode at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi on 11th September 2026. The event brought together scientists and officials from ICAR institutes across Kerala including Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI)-Thiruvananthapuram, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI)-Kasaragod, Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR)-Kozhikode, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT)-Kochi, Research Centre of Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI)-, Kannur and Agali, Research Station of Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI)- Kochi, Kochi Centre of National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Regional Station of National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)-Thrissur, officials from Kerala Agricultural University-Thrissur, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS)-Kochi, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU)-Wayanad, and statewide Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK).
Dr. Grinson George, the Director of ICAR-CMFRI and Nodal Officer of VKSA for Kerala & Lakshadweep, delivered introductory and closing remarks setting the strategic vision for agricultural, animal husbandry, and fisheries development. Dr. Saju George, Principal Scientist and VKSA Nodal Officer, detailed the core implementation framework across the state and union territory. Dr. M. Prabhakar, Director, Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) and Dr. Venkatasubramanian, Former Director, ICAR-ATARI gave valuable suggestions for shaping strategies for sustainable and regional agricultural development. Heads of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and university officials provided crucial sectoral insights to ensure the VKSA action plan addresses ground level priorities. The workshop concluded with a fully formulated set of researchable issues, developmental challenges, and actionable roadmaps for plantation crops, tuber crops, spices, field crops, horticultural crops, fisheries, livestock, and dairy along with implementation timelines from 2026-27 to 2029-31.
