CM Yogi aims to make the KVKs self-reliant and employment-oriented.

Lucknow : The Yogi government, dedicated to the welfare of farmers, is bringing the “Lab to Land” slogan to life through the expansion of extension programs. Initiatives such as Kisan Kalyan Kendra, the Million Farmers program at the Nyaya Panchayat level during Rabi and Kharif seasons, and agricultural producer seminars held from the state to division and district levels demonstrate this commitment.

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) play a crucial role in driving this entire program. Recognizing their importance, the Yogi government, upon coming to power, set a goal to establish at least one KVK in every district, and two in larger districts as needed. Seven years ago, many districts lacked these centers, but today there are 89 KVKs across the state.

In the next phase, the Yogi government plans to gradually transform these centers into ‘Centers of Excellence.’ As part of this initiative, 18 Krishi Vigyan Kendras were selected in the first phase in December 2023.

The project, with a budget of Rs 26 crore 36 lakhs, has been approved, and the first installment of Rs 3 crore 57 lakh 88 thousand has been released.

The selected centers, affiliated with different agricultural universities, represent every region of the state. Along with their designation as Centers of Excellence, instructions have been given regarding the specific sectors they should focus on, in addition to improving the basic facilities of each center according to the local agricultural traditions and climate.

For example, in Gorakhpur, the focus is on horticulture due to the region’s agricultural climate. According to Dr. SP Singh, Senior Scientist of the Horticulture Department, the Terai region presents significant potential for horticulture. “The focus is on crops such as mango, guava, and litchi. Currently, the center is developing a nursery that will house approximately 12 varieties of mango plants. Farmers are being educated about the distinctive qualities of varieties like Arunima and Ambika, known for their vibrant colours and easy maintenance due to their compact size.”

Additionally, seven varieties of guava are being promoted based on the local agricultural climate, and the nursery at the center also features about two dozen rare plant species.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath aims to make the KVKs self-reliant and employment-oriented. To support this, a preservation unit has been established for producing fruit pickles, jams, jellies, and powders, with training provided to women self-help groups. Gardener training for garden maintenance is also included in the initiatives. Since being designated as a Center of Excellence, there has been significant improvement in infrastructure.

The districts selected for the KVK Centers of Excellence include Mau, Balrampur, Gorakhpur, Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Banda, Hamirpur, Bijnor, Saharanpur, Baghpat, Meerut, Rampur, Badaun, Aligarh, Etawah, Fatehpur, and Mainpuri. The first installment of funding has already been released for all these districts.