- India’s first pilot KVK was established in the year 1974 by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research.
- At present, India has a network of 731 KVKs where each KVKs serve more than 5000 farmers.
- About KVKs
- Objective: Reduce the time lag between generation of technology at the research institution and its application to the location specific farmer fields.
- Established on the recommendation of the Education Commission (1964-66) and a committee headed by Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta (1973).
- KVKs are part of National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARS).
- NARS is responsible for Agricultural Research Activities for the benefit of the Indian farming community for producing various crops.
- Key Activities: On-farm testing to identify the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems, providing training to farmers etc.
- Key Achievements:
- Helped in implementing in-situ Crop Residue Management programme, led to reduction of residue burning in Punjab, etc.
- District Agricultural Meteorological Units (DAMU) under KVKs are providing Agro-met Advisory Services.
- KVKs are linked with Common Service Centres (CSCs) programmes, promoting access of government services to farmer.
- Other: Value addition in agricultural produce, diversification in agriculture through mushroom cultivation, bee keeping, etc.
About Indian Council of Agriculture Research
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