International Journal of Environmental and Ecology Research

www.environmentaljournal.in
Online ISSN: 2664-7117, Print ISSN: 2664-7109
Received: 27-09-2024, Accepted: 28-10-2024, Published: 12-11-2024
Volume 6, Issue 1, 2024, Page No. 59-63

Fostering rural development through agricultural extension: A case study of Bagavatula

Charitable Trust - Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Visakhapatnam

Sachin1, Dr. Abraham Mutluri2

1
Student, Department of Rural Development, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
2
Academic Counsellor, Department of Social Work, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra
Pradesh, India

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.

Keywords: Agriculture, farmers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, rural development

Introduction revolution also brought environmental costs, such as soil

Agriculture in India is integral to the nation’s socio- degradation, groundwater depletion, and ecological
economic framework, sustaining over half of the population imbalances.
and contributing substantially to GDP (FAO, 2022) [6]. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), established by the Indian
journey of Indian agriculture spans from ancient practices in Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1974, have
the Indus Valley Civilization around 7,000 BCE, where been instrumental in addressing these challenges through
early domestication of crops like wheat, barley, and cotton agricultural extension and education. With over 725 centers
took place, to the Green Revolution of the 1960s that nationwide, KVKs operate as the interface between research
radically transformed food production. During the medieval and the farming community, translating scientific
period, regions like the Gangetic plains were known for advancements into practical applications tailored to local
agricultural surplus, supporting thriving cities and needs. The BCT KVK in Visakhapatnam, for example, has
kingdoms, with irrigation systems that harnessed wells, focused on sustainable practices that increase productivity
tanks, and canals (Ministry of Agriculture, 2016) [12]. while conserving resources, thus supporting rural
However, the 20th century brought unprecedented changes. development. These centers offer a suite of services,
The Green Revolution, for instance, led to a significant rise including On-Farm Testing (OFT), Frontline
in wheat and rice production, with food grain output Demonstrations (FLDs), skill development, and capacity
increasing from 82 million tonnes in 1960 to 131 million building. Between 2015 and 2020, KVKs trained over 2
tonnes by 1979 (Ministry of Agriculture, 2022) [14]. Yet, this million farmers, with nearly 30% of participants being

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women, indicating efforts to promote gender inclusivity in population (Gupta & Sharma, 2017) [8]. Singh, K., & Meena,
agricultural decision-making (ICAR, 2020) [9]. B. S. (2018) [22] Focusing on KVKs in Rajasthan, Singh and
In Andhra Pradesh, KVKs have introduced drought-resistant Meena explored their impact on farmer knowledge and
crop varieties, such as millet and groundnut, particularly in adoption of innovative practices. The study found that
arid regions like Rayalaseema, where yields have shown a farmers associated with KVKs were more likely to adopt
15-20% increase compared to traditional crops. KVKs have climate-resilient agricultural practices and sustainable
also promoted integrated pest management (IPM) practices, farming techniques. These findings underscored the role of
reducing pesticide usage by 30% while improving crop KVKs as essential knowledge hubs that help farmers
health. In Vishakhapatnam’s tribal areas, KVKs have mitigate risks associated with climate change. The authors
encouraged organic coffee cultivation, which has seen a 10- suggested increasing funding and resources for KVKs to
12% increase in productivity, benefiting over 1,500 tribal expand their climate-smart agriculture programs (Singh &
farmers with higher incomes from organic certification and Meena, 2018) [22].
value-added products (ICAR, 2020) [9]. These commercial Kumar, A., & Patel, D. (2020) [11] This study reviewed the
crops promotes the development among tribals (Abraham & outreach and effectiveness of KVKs in Maharashtra,
Visweswara Rao, 2023) [1] This regional focus exemplifies focusing on their extension activities such as field
KVKs’ commitment to tailoring solutions to local demonstrations, training, and workshops. The study
challenges, thereby increasing adoption rates and indicated that KVKs effectively transferred knowledge
maximizing impact. about water conservation practices and organic farming.
KVKs play a critical role in capacity building, offering However, limited resources and high staff turnover were
training in climate-resilient techniques, post-harvest identified as significant challenges to their operational
management, and value addition, which are essential in efficiency. The authors recommended government support
improving both productivity and economic returns for to strengthen KVK infrastructure and personnel stability
farmers. For example, soil health campaigns initiated by (Kumar & Patel, 2020) [11]. Reddy and Rao’s research
KVKs led to the distribution of 45 million soil health cards evaluated the impact of KVKs in Andhra Pradesh on the
by 2020, which have helped farmers better manage nutrient livelihoods of marginal farmers. They reported positive
applications, leading to improved soil fertility and balanced outcomes in terms of income enhancement and
use of fertilizers in states like Madhya Pradesh and diversification due to KVK interventions, particularly in
Rajasthan (Ministry of Agriculture, 2020) [13]. KVKs’ livestock and horticulture training. The study advocated for
impact assessments indicate an average yield increase of 10- diversified training content that would address the specific
20% across major crops due to these interventions, needs of marginal and landless farmers, emphasizing the
particularly in high-yielding varieties of rice, wheat, and potential of KVKs to drive socioeconomic growth (Reddy &
oilseeds, which have also improved farmers’ income Rao, 2021) [21]. Patil and Desai conducted a study to assess
stability and resilience (Mutluri et al. 2024) [16]. the effectiveness of KVK programs in Karnataka, focusing
The multi-dimensional approach of KVKs encompassing on farmers’ adoption of integrated pest management (IPM)
technology transfer, skill training, and community-specific techniques. The research highlighted that KVKs were
interventions addresses both current agricultural challenges successful in promoting IPM practices, leading to reduced
and future sustainability goals. In the long term, the role of pesticide usage and improved crop quality. However, the
KVKs in promoting sustainable practices, climate-smart study identified logistical challenges, such as the need for
agriculture, and rural livelihoods positions them as a more frequent training sessions and follow-ups with
cornerstone in India’s rural development strategy. Through farmers. The authors recommended that KVKs increase
localized solutions, adaptive training, and farmer-centric their collaboration with local agricultural universities for
models, KVKs continue to drive forward India's agricultural resource sharing and curriculum development (Patil &
landscape, ensuring it remains productive, resilient, and Desai, 2022) [20]. These studies collectively illustrate the
socially inclusive in the face of evolving climate and varied impacts of KVKs across regions and highlight their
economic pressures. critical role in rural development, sustainable agriculture,
and farmer capacity building in India.
Review of Literature
Gupta, R., & Sharma, N. (2017) [8] This study examined the Objectives of the Study
role of KVKs in enhancing agricultural productivity in 1. To analyze the current extension programs conducted
Punjab. The researchers noted that KVKs were instrumental by KVK Visakhapatnam and assess the number of
in improving yield and adoption of modern farming participants involved;
practices among small farmers. They highlighted that the 2. To understand the perception of farmers regarding the
farmer training programs offered by KVKs significantly relevance and effectiveness of KVK’s extension
increased awareness and practical skills related to crop services;
management and soil health. The study suggested scaling up
KVK training programs to reach a broader farming

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3. To explore the perception of KVK staff concerning the challenges in adopting new practices, and income changes.
challenges they face in delivering agricultural extension The demographic profile of farmers highlights a
services; predominantly middle-aged, male-dominated group (80.2%
4. To identify the challenges faced by farmers in in the 36-50 age range and 80% male), indicating that
implementing the knowledge gained from KVK agricultural responsibilities in the region are largely borne
interventions; and by middle-aged men. While 53.3% of respondents have
5. To recommend solutions for overcoming the identified secondary education, enabling them to grasp basic training
challenges and improving the delivery of extension concepts, 6.7% of farmers have no formal education,
services. indicating that a portion of the audience may face
difficulties with advanced training content. Additionally,
Research methodology most respondents are smallholder farmers (90% owning less
The research methodology employed in this study aims to than 1 hectare), reflecting significant resource limitations
comprehensively evaluate the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra that may affect their ability to invest in larger-scale or
(KVK) Visakhapatnam in agricultural extension, focusing resource-intensive agricultural innovations.
on program participation rates and the perspectives of both Participation in KVK programs reveals a keen interest in
farmers and KVK staff. A mixed-methods approach, Integrated Pest Management (34.5%), along with a notable
combining descriptive and exploratory methods, was chosen inclination toward sustainable practices such as natural
to facilitate the collection and analysis of both qualitative farming (31%) and organic farming (17.2%). These trends
and quantitative data. The study addresses a critical suggest that farmers are increasingly aware of the benefits
problem: while KVK Visakhapatnam has implemented of sustainable and eco-friendly methods. Nevertheless,
numerous extension initiatives to tackle issues such as low engagement in programs on Climate-Resilient Agriculture,
productivity and limited access to modern technology, the Livestock Management, and Vermicompost Production
actual impact and adoption of these interventions remain remains low, with each attracting only 3.4% of participants.
uncertain. Key objectives include assessing the relevance This disparity suggests an opportunity for KVK to enhance
and effectiveness of KVK programs from the viewpoints of outreach for these programs and address potential barriers to
both farmers and KVK personnel and identifying the participation, such as limited awareness or perceived
challenges encountered in knowledge application and relevance.
program delivery. The challenges identified in adopting new practices
The study area comprises Visakhapatnam district in Andhra underline the complexity of shifting agricultural methods.
Pradesh, characterized by diverse agro-climatic zones that Key obstacles include limited technical knowledge
include coastal plains and tribal highlands. These zones (26.67%) and resource constraints (20%), with an additional
present unique challenges, making them suitable for an in- 20% of farmers citing a combination of resource, time, and
depth assessment of KVK’s efforts. The research design labor constraints. These challenges suggest that, despite
integrates descriptive methods to summarize program interest in modern techniques, many farmers lack the
participation and outcomes, alongside exploratory methods necessary support to fully adopt them. Time and labor
to gain insights into the experiences and challenges of constraints alone impact 6.67% of farmers, indicating that
stakeholders. even if resources and knowledge are accessible, limited
Sampling targets key informants, including KVK staff manpower and time restrict some farmers from
directly involved in program delivery and 30 farmers, implementing new practices.
ensuring a gender-inclusive representation. Data collection The impact of KVK programs on income has been
methods encompass structured surveys, semi-structured significant, with 100% of surveyed farmers reporting an
interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs), providing increase in earnings after adopting recommended practices.
both quantitative data (e.g., satisfaction, participation rates) This improvement underscores the economic value of KVK
and qualitative insights (e.g., challenges and experiences). interventions, as increased income not only enhances
The data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics for household stability but also enables farmers to reinvest in
quantitative findings, while qualitative data from interviews their agricultural activities, potentially leading to further
and FGDs will undergo thematic analysis to identify productivity gains.
recurring challenges and insights. This methodology aims to In terms of communication, farmers displayed a strong
create a well-rounded understanding of KVK preference for traditional outreach methods, with 46.7%
Visakhapatnam’s impact and identify actionable solutions favoring printed materials and community meetings as their
for enhancing its extension services. primary information sources. Only a small portion (6.7%)
indicated a preference for digital channels like SMS or
Findings WhatsApp, suggesting that digital literacy and access to
The findings from this study provide a detailed analysis of technology may be limiting factors for many farmers in the
KVK Visakhapatnam’s role in supporting local farmers, region. This insight highlights the importance of
focusing on demographic insights, program participation,

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