ICAR celebrated Golden Jubilee of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

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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.

ICAR is an autonomous organization registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences.
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare