History

Based on the recommendation of Education Commission (1964-66), consideration/review by Planning Commission and Inter-Ministerial Committee, and further recommendation by a committee headed by Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta appointed by ICAR in 1973, the idea of establishment of Farm Science Centre (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) was evolved. First KVK was established in 1974 at Puducherry on pilot basis under the administrative control of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The XI Five Year Plan envisaged establishing additional KVK in larger districts. Zone VIII had the privilege of establishing the first additional KVK, in Tumakuru district, Karnataka. With effect from April 2017, reorganization of zones was implemented and ATARI Bengaluru became Zone XI with jurisdiction of 3 states/UTs Viz., Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) are the agricultural knowledge and resource centres for farmers, farmwomen, rural youth and extension functionaries. These are the innovative district level institutions meant for promoting science-based practices in agriculture and allied sectors in a problem-solving mode. KVKs accomplish this through assessment and demonstration of location specific technology modules. Besides, they also perform activities keeping in view the needs of farmers and other stakeholders.

Vision

Science and technology-led growth leading to enhanced productivity, profitability and sustainability of agriculture

Mission

Farmer-centric growth in agriculture and allied sectors through application of appropriate technologies in specific agro-ecosystem perspective

Mandate

Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development

Activities

1. On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems.
2. Organize Frontline Demonstrations to establish production potential of technologies on the farmers’ fields.
3. Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies.
4. 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.
5. Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest of farmers.

Altogether, there are fourteen KVKs, one in each district, functioning in the state of Kerala. Among them, four KVKs are attached to ICAR institutes, two under ICAR-CPCRI (Kasaragod and Alappuzha), one each under ICAR-CMFRI (Ernakulam) and ICAR-IISR (Kozhikode). Seven KVKs are functioning under the Kerala Agricultural University (Kollam, Kottayam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad) and three are under NGOs (Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Idukki) in Kerala.