KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA (KVK)
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) – Agricultural Science Center, a grass root level plan scheme designed and nurtured by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for the past four decades. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are playing a very important and crucial role in technology refinement and dissemination. Right from 1974 when the first KVK was established, these institutions have proven and met stakeholders’ expectations. As a result of which there has been demand for opening of more KVKs. ICAR has established 692 KVKs across the country under different host organizations like State Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, Central institutes / Deemed Universities, State Government, Public Undertakings and Non Governmental Organizations.
Mandate and Activities
The mandate of KVK is Technology Assessment & Refinement and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development. To implement the mandate effectively, the following activities are envisaged for each KVK
- On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems.
- Frontline demonstrations to establish production potential technologies on the farmers’ fields.
- Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies
- To work as knowledge and resource Center of agricultural technologies for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector in improving the agricultural economy of the district.
- Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmer
In addition, KVKs produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, livestock) and make it available to farmers, organize frontline extension activities, identify and document selected farm innovations and converge with ongoing schemes and programs within the mandate of KVK.
