Question : KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRAS

(a) the number of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the major activities undertaken by them during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(b) the criteria adopted by the Government for selecting a location for KVKs along with the expenditure incurred by the Government on setting up of KVKs during the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether the Government has reviewed the functioning of KVKs and if so, the outcome thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to grade KVKs according to their performance and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the extent to which these KVKs have helped the farmers in improving the productivity?

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI RADHA MOHAN SINGH)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) to (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 26 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25/11/2014 REGARDING “KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRAS”

(a) There are 641 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) functioning in the country. The State/UT-wise number of KVKs are given in Annexure-I. The State/UT-wise major activities undertaken by these KVKs during each of the last three years and the current year are given in Annexure-II.

(b) The criteria adopted for selecting the location of a KVK include suitability of proposed sites in terms of availability of 20 ha cultivable land, variability of site proposing organization and their commitment to run the KVK according to principles and guidelines of ICAR. The expenditure incurred by the Government on setting up of KVKs during the last 3 years and current year is given in Annexure-III.

(c) The functioning of Krishi Vigyan Kendras is reviewed by holding of Scientific Advisory Committee meetings; Annual Zonal Workshops; mid-term review workshops; Activity Specific Training-cum-Workshops; Annual National Conference of KVKs; and visits to KVKs by the Officers of Zonal Project Directorates, Directorates of Extension Education of Agricultural Universities and ICAR Headquarters. The ICAR also reviews the KVK activities by constituting Quinquennial Review Teams (QRT). The outcome of review activities undertaken includes development and execution of improved and need based annual action plans; compilation of technology inventories, preparation of technology manuals, books, bulletins and extension literature in print and electronic form; development and organization of programmes for capacity building and technology backstopping; human resource development and knowledge empowerment; and sharing of innovative models and experiences of technology application mechanisms.

(d) There is no proposal for grading of KVKs. However, the ICAR has identified a number of indicators for evaluating the performance of KVKs so as to award the best performing KVKs at Zonal and National level. These indicators include Field Survey; Technology Assessment; Frontline Demonstrations; Capacity Development of farmers/rural youth/extension personnel; Extension Activity; Feedback and the follow up; Production and Supply of Technological Inputs; Soil and Water Testing; Instructional farm and other facilities; Demonstration units; Awards/Recognition; Special programmes; Convergence with other stakeholders; SAC meeting; Capacity Development of KVK staff; Database Management; Documentation (Success Story/Case Study etc.), Publications and Reporting; Staff in Position.

(e) The Front-Line Demonstrations (FLDs) conducted by KVKs on farmers field during the last one year has helped them in getting better yield of crops as compared to farmers practices. The increase in yield of major crops under FLD plots over farmers practice was up to 43.4% in wheat; 26% in maize; 24.9% in barley; 22.3% in rice; 21.7% in soybean; 49.3% in rapeseed; 33.4% in black gram; 26.8% in chickpea; 25.4% in cowpea; 47.1% in field pea; 34.9% in green gram; 63.5% in horse gram; 38.1% in lentil; 45.8% in pea; 34.2% in pigeon pea; 20.6% in cotton; 17.6% in sugarcane and 9.14% in cluster bean.