With reference to Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in India, consider the following statements:
1. The concept of KVKs was first recommended by the Education Commission (1964–66) under the name of 'Agricultural Polytechnics'.
2. One of the mandates of KVKs is to assess the location-specific suitability of agricultural technologies through on-farm testing.
3. All Krishi Vigyan Kendras in India are administered directly by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation Statement 1 is correct: The Education Commission (1964-66) recommended that a vigorous effort be made to establish specialized institutions to provide vocational education in agriculture and allied fields at the pre and post-matriculate levels to cater the training needs of a large number of boys and girls coming from rural areas. The Commission, further, suggested that such institutions be named as ‘Agricultural Polytechnics’. The recommendation of the Commission was thoroughly discussed: during 1966-72 by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Planning Commission, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other allied institutions. Finally, the ICAR mooted the idea of establishing Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agricultural Science Centres) as innovative institutions for imparting vocational training to the practicing farmers, school dropouts and field level extension functionaries.
Statement 2 is correct: On-farm testing to assess the location specificity of agricultural technologies is one of the key mandates of KVKs. other mandates are:
1. Frontline demonstrations to establish production potential of technologies on the farmers’ fields
2. Capacity development of farmers and extension personnel to update their knowledge and skills on modern agricultural technologies
3. To work as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technologies for supporting initiatives of public, private and voluntary sectors in improving the agricultural economy of the district.
4. Provide farm advisories using ICT and other media means on varied subjects of interest to farmers.
Statement 3 is not correct: While many KVKs are under ICAR, not all are administered by ICAR. They are also run by Agricultural Universities, NGOs, State Governments, and other institutions.
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