Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kottayam

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) all over the country to identify and solve the problems of farmers and to transfer the new agricultural technologies and skills. KVKs act as a link between the research wing and farmers. It is engaged in resolving problems faced by the farmers and in implementing various technologies developed by different research institutions. Krishi Vigyan Kendras strive for the empowerment of rural communities, by providing them alternate means of income from agriculture and allied enterprises. ABOUT THE DISTRICT Kottayam, located in central Kerala was formed in July 1949. The district is bordered by the lofty and mighty Western Ghats in the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad in the west. The district has a total area of 2208 sq. km. The district is naturally divided into high land, mid land and low land, the bulk being constituted by the midland regions. It has tropical climate with an annual average rainfall of 3130 cm. Technical expertise: KVK Kottayam has a multidisciplinary team in agriculture and allied sectors. The major disciplines are Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, Horticulture, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Plant Protection, Aquaculture and Home Science. MANDATES KVKs aim at assessment, refinement and demonstration of technology/ products to cater to the needs of farming community, extension personnel and other stakeholders in the district. To accomplish this, KVKs are carrying out the following activities: Ø Conducting on-farm testing to identify the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems. Ø Organizing frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of various crops and enterprises in the farmers' fields. Ø Organizing need based training for farmers to update their knowledge and skills in modern agricultural technologies related to technology assessment, refinement and demonstration, and training of extension personnel to orient them in the frontier areas of technology development. Creating awareness about improved agricultural technologies among various clienteles through appropriate extension programmes. Ø Production of quality seeds, planting materials, bio-products as per the demand of different clienteles. Ø Work as knowledge and resource centre of agricultural technology to support the initiatives of public, private and voluntary sectors for improving the agricultural economy of the district.