Need based technology development and refinement are continuous processes in which research and extension components work hand in hand. The university extension service maintains live and intimate links with the research departments one hand and the field level functionaries of different state departments, development agencies and farmers on the other. PAU is engaged in providing agricultural extension services through a network of Krishi Vigian Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Services Centers (FASCs) located in different districts of the State.
FARM ADVISORY SERVICE CENTRES (FASCs)
Farm Advisory Service Centers were started in 1962 primarily with the objective of quick transfer of technology among the farmers of the state and getting first hand feedback of their field problems at all the 11 erstwhile districts. Farm Advisory Service Centre, initially started with extension specialists in the disciplines of Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, Plant Protection and Farm Management. It was further strengthened with the addition of specialists in other subjects as well. Plant Protection has separate specialists in Entomology and Plant Pathology, whereas in Horticulture, there are separate specialists in Pomology and Vegetable Crops. Presently, the scheme has been operational in 15 districts with only 1-2 subject matter specialists (scientists).
At the university level, there are extension specialists in the disciplines of Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Soil Science, Farm Management, Extension Education, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture (Pomology), Vegetable Crops, Floriculture & Landscaping, Farm Power & Machinery, Soil & Water Engineering, Processing & Agricultural Structure and Home Science to provide a strong linkage between the university research system and Farm Advisory Service, FASCs of Punjab Agricultural University are an organic link between the university research system, field functionaries and farmers. The staff of FASCs is engaged in the following activities:
- Adaptive Research Trials
The FASC has been entrusted with the responsibilities of conduct of adaptive research trials on new varieties, production, protection and post-harvest management technologies given by the research system, under various agro-climatic conditions of the state. It also helps to identify adoption problems of new technology recommended for the farmers. Feed back required to change or modify the technology suitable for farmers is also provided by the staff of this unit.
- Training of farmers
Subject matter specialists of FASC work closely with the staff of State Development Departments in organizing farmers' training camps at district, block and village level. After district level training camps, block level camps are held in all blocks in which District Extension Specialists of the FASC of the university located in all the districts act as resource personnel. With these training camps, the new technologies, developed through research system , reach the farmers at the earliestafter their release. In turn, specialists collect the farmers problems as a feed-back to the university research system for further investigation.
- Demonstrations
FASC also entrusted with the job to conduct Front Line Demonstrations at the farmers' fields with a view to convince the farmers regarding the soundness and practicability of the technologies developed by the university.
- Field Days
Extension staff organizes field days at selective sites where adaptive trials or demonstrations about new innovations or farm technologies have been conducted. These field days help large number of farmers to adopt the new technologies based on the principle of "Seeing is Believing".
- On the Spot Guidance
Specialists are instrumental in guiding the farmers on the spot in respect of complex field problems through field visits.
- Surveillance and Monitoring
Subject matter specialists gather information on cropping pattern, input use and production related problems, through regular survey on major field crops during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Surveillance of insect-pests and diseases helps to implement integrated pest/disease management models and mitigate the emergence of pest/disease outbreaks through the judicious use of inputs.
- Campaigns
Various campaigns like crop residue management, water saving, soil testing, food-grain storage, repair of farm machinery, proper utilization of inputs, etc. for improving the agricultural production in their respective districts are organized by FASC staff.
- Feedback
Subject matter specialists are the ears and eyes of the university, in assessing and analyzing the farmers' problems and providing feedback regarding complex/new emerging problems for investigation to the concerned scientists having specialization on the subject.
KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRAS
First KVK was established at Gurdaspur during 1982-83 and presently, 18 KVKs are working under the control of PAU in different districts of the State. Each KVK has been provided with a Project Coordinator along with six Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs). The SMS from the discipline of Animal Science, Home Science and Agricultural Engineering are mandatory for every KVK. Other three SMSs are deployed from the disciplines of Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Fruits Science, Vegetable Science, Agroforestry, Food Science, Technology, Agricultural Extension and Agricultural Economics depending on specific requirement of the district.
KVKs are fully financed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi and are working as per the objectives and guidelines of the ICAR. The mandate of KVK's is to impart training to the farmers and unemployed rural youth in agriculture and allied disciplines with the objective of increasing agricultural productivity and bringing youth in subsidiary occupations to supplement the family income. KVKs also conduct frontline demonstrations in various crops to generate production data and feed-back information and also to collaborate with scientists of Regional Research Stations and the State Extension Personnel in 'On-Farm testing", refining and documenting technologies for developing region specific sustainable land use system. On the whole, the KVKs act as front line extension agency rather than ground level extension agency. These kendras are largely engaged with on-campus activities and have limited outreach to farmers.
Each KVK has a farm area utilized for raising foundation/certified seed and live field demonstrations for the trainees. At present, KVKs impart practical oriented trainings ("Learning by Doing") in diversified areas of agriculture, hybrid seed production, cultivation of aromatic and medical plants, dairy, poultry, bee-keeping, vermicompost, fishery, piggery, mushroom growing, integrated pest management, nursery raising (horticultural, vegetables and flower plants),food processing and value addition, repair and maintenance of farm machinery, self employment of rural youth etc. Besides, training to rural women in income generating programmes like stitching, embroidery, knitting, soft toy making, soap and detergent making, fruit and vegetable preservation, food and nutrition is also provided at the KVKs.
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION CENTRE (ATIC)
The Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) was established during 1993 for quick delivery of the technology to the farmers under "Single Window Delivery System". To deliver technology, the services of Entomologist , Plant Pathologist, Soil Scientist and Agronomist have been provided in the centre. The activities under taken at ATIC are:
- Plant Clinic Services
- Dissemination of Technological Products
- Farm Literature
- Website
- helpline facility
LINKAGES WITH STATE DEPARTMENTS/OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
The Directorate of Extension Education has strong linkages with State Department of Agriculture/Horticulture/Animal Husbandry/ soil conservation, semi-government organizations (KRIBHCO, IFFCO, ETC.), input supplying firms, Banks and many other government and Non Government Organizations (NGOs)/progressive farmers. The beneficiary departments from the state are getting technical support from the university staff while holding camps/field days/surveillance. Besides, the extension staff from the state departments interacts with the experts from the university during Officers' Workshops regularly held at PAU. Technical help is rendered to semi/government organizations/NGOs during the crop seminars/field days/training camps. |
