Udaipur, Rajasthan- The 50th anniversary of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in India marks a significant milestone in agricultural innovation and extension services. The inception of the first KVK in Puducherry on March 21, 1974, can be attributed to the visionary efforts of Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta from Udaipur.
His pioneering work laid the groundwork for the establishment and growth of KVKs across the country. Dr. Mehta initiated many activities in Udaipur's Vidyabhavan that are now part of KVKs.
The establishment of the first KVK was made possible based on the recommendations of Dr. Mehta's committee report. Dr. Mehta had been engaged in technology and technical transfer activities in fields like crop production, livestock, forestry, and fisheries at Vidyabhavan for years.
Consequently, ICAR recognized Vidyabhavan's Badgaon center as a KVK, which is now established as an exemplary KVK.
In celebration of this momentous occasion, the Golden Jubilee Torch Relay commenced from Puducherry and is making its way across various KVKs in India. On Thursday, the torch arrived at the KVK in Vallabhnagar, Udaipur.
The grand event saw the torch being handed over to Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) by Dr. S.K. Garg, Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner (RAJUVAS), and Dr. R.K. Nagda, Head of the Vallabhnagar KVK. Dr. R.A. Kaushik, Director of Extension Education at MPUAT, and Dr. R.L. Soni, Senior Scientist and Head of Udaipur II, received the torch.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, Vice Chancellor of MPUAT, highlighted the remarkable journey of KVKs since their inception.
Dr. Karnataka emphasized that KVKs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and extension services, empowering millions of farmers with modern agricultural practices.
The torch relay, which began on March 21, 2024, will continue to travel through KVKs, including those in Banswara, Bhilwara (First and Second), Dungarpur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, and Pratapgarh, before reaching Kota Agricultural University. The relay will conclude in Puducherry on March 21, 2025, with a grand closing ceremony.
Dr. Karnataka stated that KVKs have played a vital role in empowering farmers and have demonstrated their capability to meet stakeholders' needs.
In the past five years, several farmers associated with KVKs have been honored with Padma Shri and Genome Savior Awards, recognizing their exceptional contributions to agriculture. This recognition underscores the important role KVKs play in inspiring agricultural talent and promoting innovation within farming communities.
Through various initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, ensuring sustainability, and improving farmers' livelihoods, KVKs have driven significant changes in the agricultural landscape of India.
On average, each KVK covers 43 villages and serves approximately 4,300 farmers, with around 80 percent of these villages located more than 10 kilometers from the KVK's premises.
KVKs have adopted drone technology to modernize farming methods and provide information to students through Atal Tinkering Labs.
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