Role, Historical background and Mandate of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

What is the Mandate of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), role and Historical background of KVK Explain in details?

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is an agricultural extension center in India, established with the objective of applying agricultural research at the grassroots level. The mandate of KVKs is to provide practical training and knowledge to farmers, rural youth, and extension workers, thereby accelerating agricultural production and improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers.

Historical background of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs):

The Mohan Singh Mehta Committee is related to the establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in India.

In 1973, the Government of India appointed a committee chaired by Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta to:

Review the agricultural extension system in India.

Suggest reforms to improve technology transfer and farmer education.

Recommend innovative approaches for agricultural development.

The Mohan Singh Mehta Committee's report (1974) led to the establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) as innovative institutions for agricultural extension, education, and research. The committee's recommendations focused on:

1. Decentralizing agricultural extension services.
2. Promoting need-based and location-specific technologies.
3. Enhancing farmer participation and empowerment.
4. Fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

The KVK system was designed to address the limitations of traditional extension services and provide a more effective mechanism for technology transfer, capacity building, and farmer support. Today, KVKs play a vital role in India's agricultural development, with over 731 centers across the country (update 2024).

1974: The concept of KVKs was introduced by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to promote agricultural development and technology transfer.

1974: The first KVK was established at Pondicherry (now Puducherry).

1980s: KVKs expanded to various states, focusing on dryland agriculture and rainfed farming.

1990s: KVKs shifted focus to sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and integrated farming systems.

2000s: KVKs emphasized technology dissemination, capacity building, and entrepreneurship development.

2010s: KVKs adopted a more holistic approach, incorporating climate change, soil health, and water conservation.

Mandate of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)

1.Technology Assessment and Demonstration:

KVKs are tasked with the on-farm testing of agricultural technologies and practices developed by research institutions. This involves assessing their adaptability to local conditions and demonstrating them to farmers.

2. Frontline Demonstration (FLD):

KVKs conduct frontline demonstrations on the farmers' fields to showcase the latest agricultural technologies, innovations, and practices. This helps in demonstrating the efficacy of new technologies under real farm conditions.

3. Capacity Building and Training:

One of the core functions of KVKs is to provide skill-oriented training to farmers, farmwomen, rural youth, and extension workers. These training programs cover various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, livestock management, horticulture, and fisheries, among others.

The training is aimed at increasing productivity, adopting new technologies, and improving overall farm management practices.

4. Advisory Services and Knowledge Dissemination:

KVKs offer advisory services to farmers on a wide range of topics including pest and disease management, soil health, crop varieties, and post-harvest technologies. These advisories can be delivered through farm visits, helplines, or digital platforms.

They also conduct field days, exhibitions, and campaigns to spread awareness about various agricultural practices and government schemes.

5. Entrepreneurship Development:

KVKs encourage and support the development of rural entrepreneurship by providing training in value addition, agro-processing, and farm-related business opportunities. This helps in creating self-employment opportunities and enhancing the income of farmers.

6. Resource and Knowledge Center:

KVKs act as a knowledge resource center for the district. They provide information on the latest developments in agriculture, available inputs, and market information.

They also function as a repository of traditional knowledge and practices, integrating them with modern techniques where appropriate.

7. Collaborative Research:

KVKs often collaborate with state agricultural universities, ICAR institutes, and other research organizations to adapt and refine technologies to suit local conditions. They play a critical role in feedback and communication between farmers and research institutions.

Role of krishi Vigyan kendra

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) play a significant role in agricultural development in India. Here are some key roles:

1. Technology Transfer: KVKs demonstrate and disseminate improved agricultural technologies to farmers.

2. Capacity Building: Training farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders in modern agricultural practices.

3. Demonstration and Testing: Conducting on-farm demonstrations and testing of new technologies and varieties.

4. Advisory Services: Providing expert advice to farmers on crop management, soil health, and pest management.

5. Linking Farmers to Markets: Facilitating market access for farmers and promoting entrepreneurship.

6. Soil and Water Conservation: Promoting sustainable practices for soil and water conservation.

7. Integrated Farming Systems: Encouraging farmers to adopt integrated farming systems for improved productivity and income.

8. Supporting Women in Agriculture: Empowering women in agriculture through training and capacity building.

9. Climate Change Mitigation: Promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.

10. Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaborating with other organizations to leverage resources and expertise.

By playing these roles, KVKs aim to:

Improve agricultural productivity and production

Enhance farmers' income and livelihoods

Promote sustainable agricultural practices

Support rural development and food security

Conclusion

The mandate of Krishi Vigyan Kendras is to bridge the gap between research and farmers, ensuring that knowledge and technologies reach those who need them most in agriculture practices. By focusing on technology transfer, capacity building, and advisory services, KVKs play a vital role in enhancing the productivity, sustainability, and profitability of agriculture in India.

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