Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are known for their participatory approach to agricultural extension services.
Statement (II): KVKs involve farmers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of extension activities to ensure that they are tailored to the local needs and constraints.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are false.
• C. Statement (I) is true but Statement (II) is false.
• D. Statement (I) is false but Statement (II) is true.

Hint:

KVKs operate as district-level agricultural knowledge centers. Their success relies on a participatory, bottom-up model that directly involves local farmers in technology testing and adoption.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), also known as Agriculture Science Centers, are established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to bridge the gap between agricultural technology development and actual farming practices.
Their primary mandate is to transfer newly developed agricultural technologies from research laboratories directly to farmers' fields.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
- Statement (I) is true: The extension model of KVKs is built upon a participatory extension approach.
Rather than using a top-down, command-style transfer of technology, KVKs work closely with local farming communities, treating them as active partners in the technology transfer process.
- Statement (II) is true: KVKs ensure local relevance by actively involving farmers in planning, implementing, and evaluating on-farm trials (OFTs), frontline demonstrations (FLDs), and vocational training programs.
This participatory process allows agricultural scientists to identify specific local constraints (such as water scarcity, soil quality, or pest pressure) and tailor their technological solutions accordingly.
Since both statements are correct, Option (A) is the correct choice.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the correct option is (A).