Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been playing a vital role in enhancing the productivity of the agricultural sector in India. KVKs are agricultural research stations that are established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) across the country to provide technological support and guidance to farmers. In this article, we will explore the role of KVKs in agricultural development, their functions, services, and impact on farmers.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, which translates to “Farm Science Center,” is an initiative pioneered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). KVKs are district-level agricultural institutions established with the aim of transforming the lives of farmers through the application of innovative farming techniques and scientific knowledge. These centers act as knowledge hubs, providing timely and region-specific information to farmers, promoting the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
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List of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in India
(1). ATARI, Zone I, Ludhiana – 70 KVKs
| S.N. | State/UT | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Himachal Pradesh | 13 |
| 2. | J & K | 18 |
| 3. | Ladakh | 04 |
| 4. | Punjab | 22 |
| 5. | Uttrakhand | 13 |
(2). ATARI, Zone II, Jodhpur – 63 KVKs
(3). ATARI, Zone III, Kanpur – 86 KVKs
| S.N. | State | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Uttar Pradesh | 86 |
(4). ATARI, Zone IV, Patna – 68 KVKs
(5). ATARI, Zone V, Kolkata – 59 KVKs
| S.N. | State | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Andaman and Nicobar | 03 |
| 2. | Odisha | 33 |
| 3. | West Bengal | 23 |
(6). ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati – 47 KVKs
| S.N. | State | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Assam | 26 |
| 2. | Arunachal Pradesh | 17 |
| 3. | Sikkim | 04 |
(7). ATARI, Zone VII, Barapani – 43 KVKs
| S.N. | State | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Manipur | 09 |
| 2. | Meghalaya | 07 |
| 3. | Mizoram | 08 |
| 4. | Nagaland | 11 |
| 5. | Tripura | 08 |
(8). ATARI, Zone VIII, Pune – 81 KVKs
| S.N. | State | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Maharashtra | 49 |
| 2. | Gujarat | 30 |
| 3. | Goa | 02 |
(9). ATARI, Zone IX, Jabalpur – 82 KVKs
| S.N. | State | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chhattisgarh | 28 |
| 2. | Madhya Pradesh | 54 |
(10). ATARI, Zone X, Hyderabad – 75 KVKs
| S.N. | State | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tamil Nadu | 32 |
| 2. | Puducherry | 03 |
| 3. | Andhra Pradesh | 24 |
| 4. | Telangana | 16 |
(11). ATARI, Zone XI, Bengaluru – 48 KVKs
| S.N. | State | No. of KVK |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Karnataka | 33 |
| 2. | Kerala | 14 |
| 3. | Lakshadweep | 01 |
History and Purpose of KVK
The first Krishi Vigyan Kendra was established in 1974 at Pondicherry, India. Since then, KVKs have proliferated across the country, catering to the diverse agricultural needs of different regions. The primary purpose of KVKs is to address the challenges faced by farmers, such as low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to information, and limited awareness about modern agricultural technologies. By providing extension services, training programs, and technology demonstrations, KVKs empower farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their agricultural productivity and income.
Objectives of KVK
The objectives of Krishi Vigyan Kendra are multifaceted and comprehensive. They include:
1. Disseminating Knowledge and Information
KVKs act as a platform for disseminating the latest scientific knowledge and information related to agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, and allied sectors. By organizing training programs, workshops, and field demonstrations, KVKs ensure that farmers have access to up-to-date information and techniques to improve their farming practices.
2. Technology Assessment and Refinement
KVKs actively engage in the assessment and refinement of existing agricultural technologies. They conduct on-farm trials and demonstrations to evaluate the effectiveness of various techniques, cropping patterns, and seed varieties, thus enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding their agricultural practices.
3. Skill Development and Capacity Building
Recognizing the importance of skill development, KVKs provide training to farmers, rural youth, and extension personnel. These training programs cover a wide range of topics, including organic farming, crop diversification, pest and disease management, and post-harvest management. By enhancing the skills of individuals involved in agriculture, KVKs facilitate the development of a skilled workforce that can drive agricultural progress.
4. Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture
KVKs aim to promote sustainable agriculture by encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly farming practices. They provide guidance on integrated nutrient management, water conservation, and natural resource management, thus contributing to the preservation of the environment and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
Functioning and Activities of KVK
Krishi Vigyan Kendra functions as an autonomous body, headed by a Senior Scientist as the program coordinator, with a team of subject matter specialists, technical staff, and administrative personnel. KVKs undertake a range of activities, including:
1. Technology Assessment and Demonstration
KVKs assess and demonstrate agricultural technologies, providing farmers with practical and hands-on training on modern farming practices. They conduct on-farm demonstrations of new varieties of crops, introduce innovative farming techniques, and disseminate information on climate-resilient crops and practices.
2. Farmer Training Programs
KVKs organize training programs for farmers, rural youth, and extension personnel, covering a wide range of topics such as crop production, livestock management, post-harvest management, and farm machinery. These programs aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals involved in agriculture, empowering them to adopt modern agricultural practices.
3. Advisory Services
KVKs offer advisory services to farmers, providing them with expert guidance on various aspects of farming, such as soil health, pest and disease management, irrigation, and marketing of agricultural produce. These services enable farmers to make informed decisions and enhance their agricultural productivity and income.
Key Services Offered by KVK
Krishi Vigyan Kendra offers a range of services to farmers and other stakeholders involved in agriculture, including:
1. Soil Health Management
KVKs provide soil testing facilities and guidance on soil health management, enabling farmers to maintain the fertility and productivity of their soil. They also provide information on the use of organic manures and bio-fertilizers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
2. Crop Production and Management
KVKs provide guidance on crop production and management, including seed selection, crop planning, nutrient management, pest and disease management, and post-harvest management. They also conduct training programs and demonstrations on innovative farming techniques and climate-resilient crops.
3. Livestock Management
KVKs offer guidance on livestock management, including breed selection, feeding, housing, and healthcare. They also provide training on the use of modern technologies for livestock management, such as artificial insemination and animal health management.
4. Enterprise Development and Marketing
KVKs provide guidance on enterprise development and marketing, helping farmers to identify profitable agricultural enterprises and access markets for their produce. They also offer training on value addition and processing of agricultural produce, enabling farmers to earn higher returns on their investments.
Importance of KVK in Agricultural Development
Krishi Vigyan Kendra plays a vital role in agricultural development, contributing to the growth and progress of the sector in multiple ways. Some of the key contributions of KVKs are:
1. Dissemination of Knowledge and Information
KVKs serve as a vital source of information and knowledge for farmers, providing them with timely and region-specific information on modern agricultural practices. By disseminating the latest scientific knowledge and technologies, KVKs enable farmers to enhance their agricultural productivity and income.
2. Capacity Building and Skill Development
KVKs play an essential role in capacity building and skill development, empowering farmers, rural youth, and extension personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to adopt modern farming practices. By enhancing the skills of individuals involved in agriculture, KVKs contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that can drive agricultural progress.
3. Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture
KVKs promote sustainable agriculture by encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly farming practices. They provide guidance on integrated nutrient management, water conservation, and natural resource management, thus contributing to the preservation of the environment and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
4. Technology Transfer and Demonstration
KVKs play a crucial role in the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the field. They conduct on-farm demonstrations of new technologies and varieties of crops, enabling farmers to observe and learn about the latest scientific practices. By promoting the adoption of modern technologies, KVKs contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector.
5. Research and Development
KVKs undertake research and development activities aimed at addressing the region-specific agricultural issues. They collaborate with various research institutions, universities, and other stakeholders to identify and develop innovative solutions to the problems faced by farmers. By conducting research and development activities, KVKs contribute to the overall growth and progress of the agricultural sector.
FAQs
Krishi Vigyan Kendra is the full form of KVK.
As of 2021, there are 715 KVKs in India.
Farmers, rural youth, extension personnel, and other stakeholders involved in agriculture can avail of the services offered by KVKs.
KVKs offer training programs on various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, livestock management, post-harvest management, and farm machinery.
KVKs promote sustainable agriculture by encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly farming practices, providing guidance on integrated nutrient management, water conservation, and natural resource management.