7.75 The ICAR has created a network of 630 Krishi
Vigyan Kendra to assess, refine and demonstrate
new technologies and products developed by the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). the KVKs are playing the role of intermediary institutions to fine tune the research conducted, often under controlled conditions, before its adoption in farmer’s field. With the objective of developing location specific technology modules, the entire process is carried out in participatory mode involving the farmers. the process of Technology Assessment and Refinement (TAR)
uses a tool known as On-Farm Trial (OFT). the major thematic areas under which oFts were carried out in crop husbandry include for example Varietal Evaluation, Integrated Nutrient Management, Integrated Crop Management, Integrated Disease Management, Integrated Pest Management, Resource Conservation technologies, Weed Management, Integrated Farming Systems, Post-Harvest Technology and Value Addition, Improved tools and Farm Machinery, Seed and Planting Material Production, and Improved Storage techniques; whereas in the case of livestock Production and Management were Disease Management, Breed Evaluation, and Nutrition Management; and while in case of other enterprises were sericulture, mushroom production, vinegar production, vermin-composting and market led extension. 7.76 Frontline demonstration (FLD) is another major mandated activity of KVKs, which aims at demonstrating the production potential of crops, livestock and other allied enterprises.
7.77 In order to create awareness among farmers and other stakeholders on improved agricultural technology, the KVKs organize large number of extension programmes like field days, exhibitions, kisan mela, kisan ghosthi and film shows, besides other extension programmes like scientists visits to farmers fields, group meetings and discussions, workshops, lectures and use of mass media for wider dissemination of farm technologies.
7.78 Kisan Mobile Advisory is another initiative
in using Information and Communication Technology for dissemination of need-based and timely information to the farmers. the KVKs also conducted programmes for capacity building of farmers and extension personnel of district line departments to update their knowledge and skills and orient them on frontier areas of technological developments. the other major contributions of KVKs included: production and supply of technological products; innovative technology delivery mechanisms; following an institutional approach for technology adoption through FIGs, Farmer Clubs, etc.; special emphasis on women empowerment; production of inputs at site like
Agricultural Research and Education 147 seed and planting materials; emphasis on rural
entrepreneurial development like piggery rearing, low cost mushroom production, bee keeping, etc.; promotion of eco-friendly technologies like IPM, Zero tillage, etc.; and promotion of resource conservation technologies like laser leveling, agro-forestry mode, etc.
7.79 In addition to these, there are several success stories of KVKs covering paddy task force- a solution to farm labour shortage, quality protein maize, innovative approach in sericulture, sweet potato based feeding system for pig, and protected cultivation of vegetables in net-house.
Challenges
7.80 It has been observed that younger generation is not interested in taking up agricultural and allied enterprises as a livelihood option. therefore, it is a matter of concern how to inculcate interest in agriculture and catch them young to retain in the agriculture sector. Besides, the other issues being faced are listed here under:
• Acute shortage and exorbitant prices of recommended Agro-inputs affecting the technology transfer and applications • In the changing agricultural scenario,
marketing problems are dominating over the production problems. Marketing support to farmers for primary processing, storage, grading, packing, certification, transportation etc. is equally important for successful technology transfer, adoption and benefits to farmers at large.
• KVKs are finding it difficult to up-scale the assessed and refined technologies which are found fit for adoption by farmers on large scale.
• Meeting the increasing expectations of stakeholders with the existing manpower and available infrastructure.
• Provision of uninterrupted power supply for E-connectivity and solving bandwidth problems are necessary for the use of ICts by KVKs and other outreach programmes of NARS.
• Adequacy and continuity of staff in KVKs is emerging as a bottleneck to sustained progress.
Way Forward
7.81 the important measures that needs to be strengthen KVKs are:
• Strengthening communication and knowledge sharing through establishment and maintenance of technology museums, mobile field services, village adoption programmes, farmer field schools, Tele-Advisory services, online agri video channel, SMS based agri-advisory service, information kiosks, disaster management interventions, organising exhibitions, field days, exposure visits, etc.
• Strengthening KVKs with provision of additional subject matter specialists in the field of agri-business management, conservation agriculture, agricultural processing and value addition and knowledge management.
• Provision of additional building, laboratory facilities and demonstration units as per emerging requirements. • Strengthen media and e-resources
through publications such as newsletters, books, manuals, leaflets, brochures, technology hand outs, etc., media coverage of extension programmes, development of cyber extension platforms and extension portal, content development cyber extension, production of audio visual and interactive aids, etc.
• Strengthening market intelligence, EDP and consultation through EDP packages, project report preparations and consultancies, industry and enterprise relations and partnership, establishing local market network on prices, establishing value chain demonstration units, etc.
• Strengthening continuing education programmes through open and distance
148 State of Indian Agriculture learning for farmers and entrepreneurs
with online courses, conducting certificate courses for farmers, entrepreneurs, input dealers, extension agencies, etc.
• Strengthening the monitoring and coordination mechanism of KVKs by establishing more number of Zonal Project Directorates and Zonal Scientific Advisory Panels.
• Impact assessment of KVK activities on regular basis so that necessary changes can be made in the ongoing programmes for the benefit of farming community.