VMPL
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], April 17: In a significant step toward strengthening India's agricultural ecosystem, GNFC's CSR arm, Narmadanagar Rural Development Society (NARDES), launched the Narmada Kisan Samruddhi Pariyojana (NKSP) in March 2024, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving farmer productivity, promoting scientific farming practices, and strengthening rural prosperity across Gujarat.
Within a short period, the programme has already begun to make a measurable impact by bridging the long-standing gap between agricultural research and the field-level adoption of modern farming practices.
25,000+ Farmers Surveyed, 84,000+ Farming Interventions Implemented
NKSP follows a data-driven and technology-enabled model to understand farmers' challenges and provide targeted solutions.
Since its launch, the initiative has achieved remarkable milestones:
- 49 PMKSK agricultural centres upgraded into model farmer support hubs
- 25,000+ farmers surveyed and profiled
- 21,000+ soil and water samples collected and analysed
- 84,000+ yield improvement and modern farming interventions implemented
- 17,000+ farmers directly benefited through upliftment initiatives
- 7,000+ farmers supported in accessing government schemes
- 700+ farmer training programmes, meetings, and awareness sessions conducted
- 2400+ acres covered under drone spraying technology
These interventions have enabled farmers to adopt Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), improved sowing techniques, Micro irrigation system (MIS), and sustainable agricultural practices, leading to better yields and optimised resource utilisation.
Strengthening Farmer Support Through 49 Model Agricultural Centres
A key pillar of the programme is the transformation of 49 GNFC COCO model NKSK (Narmada Khedut Sahay Kendras) into (PMKSK) model agricultural support centres Managed by agricultural graduates in each centres.
These centres provide farmers with:
- Access to quality agricultural inputs at reasonable rates
- Scientific crop advisory and soil health guidance
- Support in availing government agricultural schemes
- Information on modern technologies and sustainable farming methods
By bringing agricultural advisory, inputs, and government schemes under one platform, NKSP is improving last-mile connectivity for farmers.
Technology and Innovation Driving Rural Transformation
Technology integration has been a major driver behind the programme's success.
Digital platforms and mobile applications developed by (n)Code Solutions, a business vertical of GNFC, are being used for:
- Farmer data collection and profiling
- Monitoring field interventions
- Delivering advisory services in local languages
- Improving transparency and coordination
The initiative has also promoted drone technology in agriculture, covering more than 2400+ acres of farmland, while simultaneously creating livelihood opportunities for rural women under the "Namo Drone Didi" initiative.
Collaborative Model Bringing Together Experts and Farmers
NKSP operates through a collaborative framework involving State Agricultural Universities (SAU's), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), GGRC, ATMA, and the Department of Agriculture, ensuring that farmers receive the latest scientific guidance and institutional support.
Gram Sabha interactions,Village-level committees, farmer club meetings, and cluster-level discussions provide platforms for knowledge exchange and community participation.
Additionally, 49 project associates, 49 PMKSK incharge's and 93 brand ambassadors work directly with farmers on the ground, ensuring continuous engagement and providing field-level support.
Leadership Vision Behind the Initiative
The initiative was conceptualised under the guidance of Smt. Gauri Kumar (Retd. IAS), Independent Director of GNFC, and Shri Pankaj Joshi (Retd. IAS), Former Managing Director of GNFC, are to create a structured ecosystem where farmers could easily access scientific knowledge, modern agricultural technologies, and reliable advisory services at their doorstep.
Speaking about the programme, Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, Managing Director of GNFC, said:
"The Narmada Kisan Samruddhi Pariyojana reflects GNFC's commitment to strengthening the agricultural ecosystem and improving farmers' livelihoods. By integrating scientific advisory, digital technology, and grassroots engagement, we aim to create a sustainable model that enhances farmer productivity and contributes to rural prosperity of Gujarat."
He further emphasised that initiatives like NKSP align with the national vision of increasing farmers' income and strengthening agriculture under the larger goals of Viksit Gujarat and Viksit Bharat.
Building a Scalable Model for Agricultural Growth
What began as a pilot initiative has today evolved into a structured programme spanning 49 agricultural clusters across Gujarat, demonstrating how collaboration between industry, government institutions, and farming communities can create meaningful and measurable impact.
Through its focus on scientific agriculture, technology integration, farmer training, and sustainable farming practices, NKSP is steadily emerging as a scalable model for agricultural transformation in India.
With plans to further expand training programmes, promote agri-entrepreneurship, strengthen market linkages, and enhance digital advisory systems, the initiative aims to deepen its impact in the years to come.
Empowering Farmers, Strengthening Rural India
By improving productivity, reducing input costs, and enabling farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices, NKSP is helping build resilient farming communities and a stronger rural economy.
As the programme continues to grow, it is not just about improving crop yields; it is empowering farmers with knowledge, technology, and opportunity, paving the way for sustainable agriculture and long-term prosperity in Gujarat's rural landscape.
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