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VOL. 6, ISSUE 1 (2024)
Fostering rural development through agricultural extension: A case study of Bagavatula Charitable Trust - Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Visakhapatnam
Authors
Sachin, Dr. Abraham Mutluri
Abstract
This article presents the information about the functioning of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), in Visakhapatnam. The KVK is implementing
by a voluntary organisation named Bagavatula Charitable Trust (BVK). Krishi
Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), established by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) in 1974, have been instrumental in addressing these challenges
through agricultural extension and education. With over 725 centers nationwide,
KVKs operate as the interface between research and the farming community,
translating scientific advancements into practical applications tailored to
local needs. The respondents (90%) are smallholder farmers (owning less than 1
hectare). The respondents stated that in KVK programs they are interested in
Integrated Pest Management (34.5%), along with a notable inclination toward
sustainable practices such as natural farming (31%) and organic farming
(17.2%). These trends suggest that farmers are increasingly aware of the
benefits of sustainable and eco-friendly methods. The challenges identified in
adopting new practices underline the complexity of shifting agricultural
methods. Key obstacles include limited technical knowledge (26.67%) and
resource constraints (20%), with an additional 20% of farmers citing a
combination of resource, time, and labor constraints. These challenges suggest
that, despite interest in modern techniques, many farmers lack the necessary
support to fully adopt them. The impact of KVK programs on income has been
significant, with 100% of surveyed farmers reporting an increase in earnings
after adopting recommended practices. In terms of communication, farmers
displayed a strong preference for traditional outreach methods, with 46.7%
favoring printed materials and community meetings as their primary information
sources. Recommendations such as micro-financing schemes, community-based
resource centers, and digital outreach programs provide farmers with essential
resources and knowledge, facilitating adoption of sustainable,
climate-resilient practices. By collaborating with local institutions and
employing data-driven interventions, KVK can ensure that their programs are
responsive to the specific needs of Visakhapatnam’s farming community, creating
a more resilient agricultural sector.
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Pages:59-63
How to cite this article:
Sachin, Dr. Abraham Mutluri "Fostering rural development through agricultural extension: A case study of Bagavatula Charitable Trust - Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Visakhapatnam". International Journal of Environmental and Ecology Research, Vol 6, Issue 1, 2024, Pages 59-63
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