Government to expand Krishi Vigyan Kendra network

Coimbatore, Nov 6 : The government will open a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), a centre for agricultural training, in each of the newly created districts across the country, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said here Friday.

Speaking at the fourth national conference of KVKs, the minister said one centre each would be set up in the districts being created during the 11th Five-Year Plan period that ends in 2012.

"In 50 districts, one additional KVK will be set up during the plan period based on the agricultural growth potential of those districts," said Pawar.

The KVK scheme was launched by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) for the rapid transfer of agricultural technologies to farmers' fields.

A sum of Rs.39 crore has been allocated for the 11th plan for soil and water testing facilities, while online connectivity of 192 KVKs and eight zonal directorates will be operationalised soon, Pawar said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who was present at the function, said: "Due to industrialisation and urbanisation, the cultivable area is slowly shrinking, and hence new agricultural technologies are being advocated to the farmers to increase productivity."

Urging the agricultural scientists to re-do their objectives and rededicate themselves to empower the farming community, he said the country has to improve its productivity of oil seeds and pulses.

--IANS