KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra)

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is playing a major role in increasing the production, productivity of crops through technology transfer there by improving the social and economic status of the rural people. It under takes On-farm testings, Frontline Demonstrations and based on the local problems it conducts different training programmes for the farmers, farmwomen, agriculture labourers and also to the officials of developmental departments. Further, KVK has carried out other extension activities like field visits, diagnostic visits, field days, group meetings/ discussions, FFS, exposure visits etc.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, V.C. Farm, Mandya was first started as ZARS-KVK in 2000, under National Agriculture Technology Project (NATP). Later started functioning as full pledged KVK from 2004 funded by ICAR, New Delhi. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra is located on Mandya-Melukote main road 8 km away from the Mandya city. The district belongs to Zone-VI (Southern Dry Zone) agroclimatic zone consisting of 7 talukas. Paddy, Sugarcane, Ragi, Sericulture, Horticulture, Pulses and oil seeds, fodder and dairy are the major crops and subsidiary enterprises. Out of total cultivated area 58 per cent falls under irrigated and remaining 42 per cent is rainfed. The mandates of KVK are as follows:

1.Conducting on-farm testing to identify the location specificity of agricultural technologies under various farming systems.

2. Organizing frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of various crops and enterprises on the farmers field.

3. Organizing need based trainings for farmers to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies related to technology assessment, refinement and demonstration and training of extension personnel to orient them in the frontier areas of technology development

4. Creating awareness about improved agricultural technologies among various clienteles through an appropriate extension programmes.

5. Production of quality seeds, planting materials, livestock breeds, animal products, bio-products etc., as per the demand and supply the same to different clienteles.

6. Work as resource and knowledge centre of Agricultural Technology to support the initiatives of public, private and voluntary sectors for improving the agricultural economy of the district.