KVKs have been recognized as effective institutional links between agricultural research and extension system in the country. KVKs are one of the effective and well-tested frontline extension system, which is exemplary and admired all over the world. At present, KVKs are the frontier frontline extension system at the district level which functions with the mandate of “Technology assessment, refinement and demonstration of technology/products”.
Tamil Nadu has a total of 32 KVKs of which 14 KVKs are under the control of TNAU,1 KVK under the control of TNJFU, 4 KVKs under the control of TANUVAS, 2 KVKs with Deemed Universities, 2 KVKs under the control of Puducherry Government and the remaining 9 KVKs are under the administrative control of NGOs.
The KVKs in Tamil Nadu are instrumental in transfer of technologies of National Agricultural Research System (NARS) including TNAU technologies and impacted in the adoption of frontier technologies in agriculture and allied sector.
Mandate of KVK
The ICAR KVKs of TNAU are monitored by the Director of Extension Education, TNAU and DoEE is providing technical backstopping to other ICAR KVKs in Tamil Nadu & Puducherry. The ICAR KVKs are under the control of the Director, ICAR-ATARI-Hyderabad (Zone – X).
Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development.
Activities of KVKs
To implement the mandate effectively, the following activities are envisaged for each KVK
- On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems
- Frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of technologies on the farmers’
- Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies.
- To work as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technologies for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sector in improving the agricultural economy of the district.
- Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers.
In addition, KVKs produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, livestock) and make it available to farmers, organize frontline extension activities, identify and document selected farm innovations and converge with ongoing schemes and programs within the mandate of KVK.