Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), also known as Farm Science Centres, serve as agricultural extension centers in India.
They were designed to bridge the gap between agricultural research organizations and the farming community through technology assessment, refinement, and demonstration.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The concept of vocational training in agriculture was first proposed by the Education Commission (1964-66).
In 1973, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta to develop a detailed plan for these institutions.
The committee's recommendations led to the establishment of the first Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) on a pilot basis in 1974.
This first center was established at Puducherry (then Pondicherry).
It was placed under the administrative control of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore.
The primary mandate of this pilot KVK was to provide hands-on, practical training to farmers, rural youth, and agricultural extension workers.
Following the success of this pilot project, the KVK network was expanded across India, with at least one KVK now operating in nearly every rural district.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The first KVK was established on a pilot basis in the year 1974.