Krishi Vigyan Kendras to work as "knowledge banks"

Ludhiana, July 18 (UNI) In tune with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's policy line, all the 536 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country will take on a new role as ''knowledge banks'' for the farmers, besides assisting in implementation of National Horticulture Commission.

''These are to serve as science based institutions for transforming technology to the farms'', Dr R Prashad, Additional Director General, Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said while inaugurating a four-day national workshop of programme coordinators of KVKs at the Farmers Centre of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here today.

Addressing about 30 participants from eight states, Dr Prashad gave an over view of the mandate and functioning of 536 KVKs spread across 578 districts of the country. Each programme coordinator was told that henceforth, they must act as ''agents of change'' to interact with the farmers and their families to impart not only information but also knowledge and its management and applications in day-to-day farm and household chores.

Dr Prasad said refinement in technology, scientist-frame and public-private partnership was essential for laying the foundation of the second green revolution. Each KVK will be eqipped with facilities to test soil, water and fertilizer. Already 3256 KVKs, including their sub-centres, have this facility across the country.

To improve connectivity with the KVKs and state agricultural universities, E-communication will also be introduced in a big way.

ICAR has prepared 44 documentary CDs and 28 technology bulletins for dissemination of information to farmers and farm scientists. As of now, about 200 KVKs have this facility.

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