Cabinet approves Rs.3,900 crore for Krishi Vigyan Kendras

New Delhi, June 17: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister rendra Modi on Wednesday gave its approval for the continuation and strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and setting up new ones with an outlay of Rs.3,900 crore. The scheme envisages continuation of 642 existing KVKs and establishing 109 new KVKs during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17) to carry out a wide range of mandated activities. The scheme includes initiation of new components, mely information and communication technology (ICT) in agriculture, Farmer FIRST programme, creation of farm innovation fund, disaster magement fund and technology information units, an official release said on Wednesday.

It also includes mini-seed processing facilities, micro nutrient alysis facilities, solar panels, vKVK (voice KVK) and KVK net and specialised KVKs. The scheme includes extending existing components like integrated farming system, rainwater harvesting structures, soil and water testing laboratories, minimal processing facilities, establishing 16 new agricultural technology information centres (ATICs), network project on expert system and new extension methodologies and approaches.

It provides support to directorates of extension education (DEE) of state and central agricultural universities. The scheme also proposes to enhance the number of zol project directorates to 11 from eight. KVKs function as knowledge and resource centre at the district level and play a very important role in demonstration of location-specific technologies. They are the links between research and extension and also with farmers, and support the initiative of public, private and voluntary sectors for improving the agricultural economy in a holistic manner. The KVKs lay strong emphasis on skill development of rural youth and provide latest technological inputs like seeds, planting materials and bio-products. (IANS)