One more Krishi Vigyan Kendra for Andamans soon

Port Blair, Jan 4 (UNI) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has approved the second Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, proposed to come up at Nimbudera in Middle and North Andaman District.

Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) Director Dr R C Srivastava told reporters here today, ''Once the Union Cabinet's nod is received for the KVK, work on the project will begin.'' Every district of the country has a KVK and altogether there are 538 KVKs spread across the country, the Director informed, adding that 40 KVKs were planned to be set up in the 11th Five Year Plan and Nimbudera in the Middle and North district had been included during this Five Year Plan.

About five hectares land had been allotted by the Andaman administration for the purpose, the Director added.

''The technology developed by the CARI is being transmitted through the KVK and Agriculture Technology Information Centre (ATIC). Once the Kendra is established in Nimbudera the target groups, farmers and youth will be covered in the area itself,'' Mr Srivastava said.

The initiatives taken up for the fiscal 2008, among others, included introduction of table purpose Rabi groundnut along with seed production facility during Kharif, reduction in use of pesticide by using IPM techniques, intensification of work on Mushroom cultivation, fodder cultivation on hill slopes through grasses and fodder trees and intensification of works on flowers, banana, papaya, pineapple and off season mango, Mr Srivastava added.

UNI SKR DPM YA DS1355