The Role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Empowering Farmers

Written By: Jagriti Shahi 

India’s agricultural sector is undergoing a transformation, and at the heart of this change are the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)—farm science centers set up across the country to help farmers improve productivity, adopt new technologies, and increase their incomes. These institutions act as a bridge between scientific research and practical farming, playing a crucial role in rural development.

Figure: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kannur | Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kannur

What is a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)?

Figure: Krishi Vigyan Kendra| Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bathinda

A Krishi Vigyan Kendra is an agricultural extension center created by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The goal of KVKs is to provide on-the-ground, district-level support to farmers by offering:

• On-farm trials

• Training programs

• Demonstrations of new techniques

• Seed and planting material distribution

• Advisory services on crops, livestock, and climate

As of 2024, India has over 730 KVKs, each working at the district level to ensure farmers have access to modern agricultural science and tools.

Key Ways KVKs Are Helping Farmers

1. Farmer Training and Education

KVKs regularly conduct training programs on:

• Crop management

• Soil health and testing

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Organic farming

• Dairy and poultry farming

• Use of agri-machinery

  
  

These programs are free or offered at minimal cost and are designed to be hands-on and easy to understand.

2. Demonstration of New Technologies

Instead of just lectures, KVKs demonstrate new techniques on fields or farms. These may include:

• Drip irrigation systems

• High-yield seed varieties

• New farming equipment

• Organic composting methods

This “learning by doing” model ensures higher adoption among farmers.

3. On-Farm Testing and Research

KVKs work with farmers to test and adapt agricultural technologies to local conditions. If a new seed variety or irrigation technique works better in one area, KVKs help scale it to other farms in the district.

4. Mobile Advisory and ICT Support

Many KVKs use mobile apps, WhatsApp groups, and SMS services to share timely weather updates, pest alerts, and expert advice in local languages, helping farmers make better decisions.

5. Support for Women and Young Farmers

KVKs often run special training for women farmers on kitchen gardening, value addition (like pickle or jam making), and animal husbandry. They also help youth start agribusinesses through skill development and entrepreneurship support.

6. Distribution of Seeds and Planting Material

KVKs produce and distribute quality seeds, saplings, and planting material suited to local agro-climatic conditions, improving both yield and resilience.

7. Promotion of Climate-Smart Farming

In response to climate change, many KVKs are promoting:

• Drought-resistant crops

• Rainwater harvesting

• Conservation agriculture

• Agroforestry

This helps farmers adapt to changing weather conditions and reduce losses.

Real-Life Impact: A Quick Case Study

Tumkur District, Karnataka

The KVK in Tumkur introduced short-duration millet varieties and trained farmers in water-saving irrigation techniques. This led to a doubling of income for farmers in semi-arid areas due to higher yields and lower input costs. The center also supported women’s groups in setting up millet-based snack businesses, creating new livelihood opportunities.

Purulia District, West Bengal

The KVK promoted mushroom cultivation among marginal farmers, which provided a year-round income source and improved nutritional security. Training in compost production using agricultural waste reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers and enhanced soil health.

Nagaur District, Rajasthan

KVK initiatives focused on rainwater harvesting and drought-tolerant crops, helping farmers reduce the impact of erratic rainfall. The center also introduced solar-powered drip irrigation systems, resulting in better water use efficiency and increased crop productivity.

Wayanad District, Kerala

The local KVK worked with tribal farmers to improve spice cultivation practices, particularly black pepper and cardamom. Through training in integrated pest management and organic farming, farmers achieved better quality produce with higher market value.

Nadia District, West Bengal

The KVK facilitated skill development programs for youth in beekeeping and agro-processing. This diversification reduced dependence on traditional crops and generated additional income sources for rural households.

Challenges Faced by KVKs

While KVKs have been a game-changer, they face some limitations:

• Lack of awareness among remote farmers

• Funding and staffing shortages

• Need for more digital infrastructure

With better government support and local collaboration, these can be overcome.

Conclusion

Krishi Vigyan Kendras are one of the most powerful grassroots institutions supporting Indian farmers. They help bridge the gap between lab to land, bringing innovation, knowledge, and confidence to the rural farming community. As agriculture moves into the era of digitization, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, KVKs will remain key partners in empowering India’s farmers.