Agriculture Research Institutions

Agriculture Research Institutions

Agricultural research institutions formulate the agricultural practices based on recent research results and farmers’ needs. Using suitable media and methods, they disseminate those information for the welfare of the people. Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Indian Council of Agricultural Research are some of the institutions which are involved in agricultural research.

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute is a national institute for agricultural research, education and extension. IARI is commonly known as the Pusa Institute.

It is financed and administrated by the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research). This was responsible for research leading to the green revolution in India during 1970s. The policies, plans and programs of IARI have helped to meet the needs of the nation. Several popular high yielding varieties of major crops have been developed by IARI.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is an autonomous body responsible for co-ordinating agricultural education and research in India. The union minister of agriculture serves as its president. It functions under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture. It is the largest network of agricultural research and education institutes in the world.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra

Krishi Vigyan Kendra is a farm science centre. These centres serve as the ultimate link between ICAR (Indian council of Agricultural research) and farmers. Their aim is to apply agricultural research findings in practical localized settings. The first KVK was established in 1974 at Pondicherry. Since then, KVKs have been established in all states and the number continues to grow. KVKs are expected to undertake their own projects. They are also expected to serve as a resource center for extending government initiative to local areas.

KVKs can be formed under a variety of host institutions, including agricultural universities, state departments, ICAR institutes and other educational institutions or non government organisations.

a. Responsibilities of KVK

Each KVK operates a small farm to test new technologies, such as seed varieties or innovative farming methods developed by ICAR institutes. This allows new technologies to be tested at the local level before being transferred to farmers. It also organizes programs to show the efficacy of new technologies on farmer’s fields. KVKs organise workshops to discuss modern farming techniques with groups of farmers. KVKs provide advisory service to the farmers about weather and market pricing through radio and mobile phones. It focuses on crops and cultivation methods. It also facilitates rapport between the institution and the local community.

Activity 6

Visit a Krishi Vigyan Kendra in your area with your teacher. Find out the activities carried out in those centres.