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Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is an innovative science based institution which undertakes vocational training of farmers, farm women and rural youths; conducts on farm research for technology refinement and front line demonstrations to promptly demonstrate the latest agricultural technologies to the farmers as well as the extension workers. The KVK functions on the principles of collaborative participation of scientists, subject matter experts, extension workers and farmers.
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Imparting learning through “work experience” to those who are engaged in farming is the main purpose of KVKs. The syllabus and programme of each KVK is tailored to the felt needs of the farmers, resources and potential for agricultural growth in a particular area. “Teaching by doing” and “learning by doing” are the main methods of imparting skill training. The first KVK was established in 1974 in Pondicherry under Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).
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Recently there has been a shift in the approach and objectives of the KVK. While initially the emphasis was mainly on ‘human resource development through training the farmers and extension workers, now the KVKs also participate in the process of agri-technology development and refinement. Emphasis is also on employment generation to bring about equality of opportunities for socio-economically deprived class of farmers and traditionally back-ward areas in the country including dry land areas.
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In the present context of agricultural development where participation of farmers and extension agencies has become imperative in the technology generation process, the mandate of the KVKs has been widened to encompass on farm research and frontline demonstrations.
