Pulwama, April 02 : A momentous occasion unfolded at KVK Leh as dignitaries gathered for a brief yet impressive function marking the golden jubilee of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
Dr. R K Singh, ADG ICAR, and Dr. Parvinder Sheron, Director Atari Ludhiana Zone -I, handed over the Golden Jubilee Torch to Prof. DIL Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST Kashmir.
Officials revealed that this symbolic torch will traverse through the KVKs of Ladakh, with Prof. Makhdoomi carrying it to Srinagar where from it will travel to various states across India, culminating its journey in Kerala.
The officials said that Krishi Vigyan Kendras, established by ICAR in 1974, are celebrating their 50th year of service to the farming community.
“The curtain raiser of this momentous celebration took place on March 21, 2024,” they said, adding that the Golden Jubilee Torch relay, a significant part of the festivities, symbolizes the relentless commitment of KVKs to empower farmers with knowledge and technology.
Originally conceptualized by Mohan Singh Mehta under the auspices of ICAR in 1973, the first Farm Science Centre, later known as KVK, was established in 1974 in Pondicherry under the administrative control of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
Over the years, the mandate of KVKs has evolved, yet their core mission remains unchanged – to bridge the gap between research institutions and farmers by assessing, refining, and transferring agricultural technologies. Through demonstration of various technologies and products, KVKs aim to facilitate the adoption of innovative practices at the grassroots level, under the guidance of Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI).
