Lucknow: There is a basic condition for the progress of agriculture and related sectors. Research work done in the institutions of related sectors should reach the farmers as soon as possible. In this regard, the slogan of “Lab to Land” was given many years ago. In this, the extension workers associated with agriculture play an important role. The Yogi Adityanath government, committed to the interests of farmers, is realizing this slogan through the expansion of extension programs.
Kisan Kalyan Kendra, The Million Farmers program at the Nyaya Panchayat level in Rabi and Kharif seasons, agricultural producer seminars organized from state to division and district level are proof of this.
The most important role in giving impetus to this entire program is played by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) built in every district. This is the reason why the Yogi government, as soon as it came, set the target that there should be one Krishi Vigyan Kendra in every district and two Krishi Vigyan Kendras in big districts as per the need. Seven years ago, these centers did not exist in many districts. Today the number of these centers is 89.
18 centers selected for Center of Excellence
In the next phase, the Yogi government plans to gradually make these centers Center of Excellence. In this sequence, in the first phase, 18 Krishi Vigyan Kendras were selected in December 2023.
In this regard, along with approving the project of 26 crore 36 lakhs, the first installment of Rs 3 crore 57 lakh 88 thousand was also released.
In the selection, it has been taken care that these centers affiliated to different agricultural universities should be from every region of the state. Along with the selection of the Center of Excellence, instructions have also been given regarding which sector they have to focus more on, along with improving the basic facilities of the concerned centers according to the tradition and agricultural climate area there.
For example, in view of the agricultural climate of Gorakhpur, there is a focus on horticulture there. According to Dr. SP Singh, Senior Scientist of the Horticulture Department of the Center, being a Terai region, there is more possibility of horticulture here. There is more focus on mango, guava and litchi. A nursery of about 12 species of mango plants is being prepared in the center. Farmers are being made aware of the qualities of species like Arunima and Ambika. These species are attractive due to their colour. Also, due to low height, they are easy to maintain. Similarly, seven species of guava are being promoted in view of the agricultural climate of the area. There are also about two dozen rare plants in the nursery of the center.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s intention is to make KVK self-reliant and employment oriented respectively. Therefore, there is a facility to make fruit pickles, jam, jelly, powder in the preservation unit. Women associated with self-help groups are also given training in this regard. Gardener training for the maintenance of gardens is also a part of this. After being declared a Center of Excellence, there has been an unprecedented improvement in the infrastructure.
Districts in which KVK Centres of Excellence are to be built are Mau, Balrampur, Gorakhpur, Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Banda, Hamirpur, Bijnor, Saharanpur, Baghpat, Meerut, Rampur, Badaun, Aligarh, Etawah, Fatehpur and Mainpuri. The first installment amount has also been released for all these.
