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.

Last updated on Nov 6^th, 2009 at 20:07 pm IST--IANS

Possibly related news:

Other News Headlines

Bangalore's farm fair promotes organic farming

Bangalore, Nov 21

Experts at the ongoing Krishi Mela or agricultural fair here are trying hard to convince farmers of Karnataka about the benefits of switching to organic farming, which is high yielding and eco-friendly.

Haryana gets SEZ proposals worth Rs.50,000 crore

New Delhi, Nov 21

Haryana has received more than 100 proposals for setting up special economic zones (SEZs), which will bring investments worth Rs.50,000 crore and create 1.5 million jobs, a senior government official said Saturday.

Fog delays unlikely this winter as airlines train more pilots

New Delhi, Nov 21

Unlike previous years, flight operations at the Delhi airport will not be hit by fog during this winter as most domestic careers have enough trained pilots who can fly aircraft even in low visible conditions, airlines officials said.

Himachal wants to learn agricultural lessons from Israel

New Delhi, Nov 21

Himachal Pradesh is keen to learn the irrigation and agricultural practices of Israel to boost fruit and crop productivity in the hill state.

Naidu threatens to stop movement of illegally mined iron ore

Hyderabad, Nov 21

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Saturday threatened to stop transport of iron ore in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh after a central empowered committee appointed by the Supreme Court slammed illegal mining activity by a firm owned by Karnataka Tourism Minister G. Janardhan Reddy on the Andhra-Karnataka border.

Enter Your Name and Email below and Post your comment
Name	Email:
Comment:

Please login to use this service
Usermame :
Password :
Quick signup \| Forgot Password