Question : Features of KVKs

(a) the salient features of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs);
(b) the number of KVKs operating in Assam and Rajasthan;
(c) whether these KVKs are playing a vital role in mitigating double losses caused by indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers which have adverse effects on both soil and human health and make farmers aware of alternatives;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the positive results achieved in farming within the country;
(e) whether the Government is focusing to work continuously according to the region-wise situation and climate and adopt crop diversification; and
(f) if so, the details thereof along with the targets set for the same?

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)
(a) The salient features of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) include provision for a multi-disciplinary team of six Subject Matter Specialists; technological backstopping by Institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Agricultural Universities; effective functional linkages with other development organizations and training programmes and demonstrations are organized on the principles of learning by doing and seeing is believing.

(b) There are 26 and 47 KVKs, respectively in Assam and Rajasthan.

(c) & (d): In order to make the farmers aware about ill effect of indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and motivate them to adopt agricultural practices to mitigate the losses caused by indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, the KVKs organize training, demonstrations and other extension activities on various thematic areas like, soil fertility management, soil and water conservation, integrated nutrient management, production and use of organic inputs, nutrient use efficiency, vermi-compost production, soil test based fertilizer application, etc.

(d) & (f): The KVKs plan and implement its activities as per the need and agro-climatic conditions of the concerned districts and promote crop diversification with focus on oilseeds, pulses and horticultural crops. KVKs of 151 climate vulnerable districts are demonstrating technologies namely, in-situ moisture conservation, water harvesting and recycling, improved drainage in flood prone areas, conservation tillage, water saving irrigation methods, drought/temperature tolerant varieties, advancement of planting dates of rabi crops in areas with terminal heat stress, water saving paddy cultivation methods, frost management in horticulture through fumigation, community nurseries for delayed monsoon, custom hiring centres for timely planting, location specific intercropping systems, etc. for mitigation of the crop and livestock production systems to climate variability.
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