Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers
Q6. “The principal weakness of India’s agricultural extension system is not the absence of knowledge but its inadequate transmission and local adaptation.” Analyse the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in bridging this gap. Identify the constraints affecting their effectiveness. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
The proposed upgrading of 300 priority Krishi Vigyan Kendras by March 2027 has renewed attention on the persistent staffing, funding and institutional-capacity gaps in India’s agricultural extension system.
Key Demand of the question
Explain why agricultural knowledge often fails to reach farmers in an adaptable and usable form. Discuss how KVKs bridge this gap and identify the constraints limiting their effectiveness.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Introduce agricultural extension as the link between scientific research and farmers’ fields, while briefly locating KVKs within India’s district-level extension architecture.
Body
- Transmission and adaptation gap: Briefly establish that the central challenge lies in converting available scientific knowledge into accessible, affordable and location-specific practices suited to diverse farming conditions.
- Role of KVKs: Discuss their contribution through local technology assessment, field demonstrations, capacity development, diagnostic advice and two-way interaction between farmers and agricultural researchers.
- Constraints affecting effectiveness: Highlight institutional limitations relating to human resources, staff continuity, financial flows, infrastructure disparities and the expansion of responsibilities without matching capacity.
Conclusion
Conclude that strengthening KVKs requires more than physical upgrading. Emphasise stable staffing, predictable financing and farmer-responsive extension for transforming knowledge into improved farm outcomes.
