Question : TECHNOLOGY DISSEMINATION BY KVKS

(a) the number of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) engaged in the process of technology dissemination in the country;

(b) whether the Government proposes to strengthen the existing Zonal Agriculture Research Stations in places where there is no KVK;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the total number of Agricultural Technology Information Centres functioning in the country;

(e) whether such centres would serve as a single window system with an objective to provide solutions to problems regarding information dissemination; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) There are 571 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) in the country, engaged in assessment, refinement and demonstration of technology/products, and providing technological backstopping to the main agriculture extension system, that is, the extension machinery of the State Governments.

(b) & (c): The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has strengthened 53 Zonal Agricultural Research Stations (ZARSs) to work as full-fledged KVKs. The state-wise details of these ZARSs are given in Annexure.

(d) to (f): There are 44 Agricultural Technology Information Centres functioning in the country which work as single window support system. The details of the services provided to farmers and other stakeholders by these centres include availability of technology products like seeds and planting material; advisory and diagnostic services and technology information through extension literature and publications.