ICAR-KVK Idukki as an Field Experience Training (FET) Centre for ARS Probationers
(14-Oct-2025)
ICAR-KVK Idukki as an Field Experience Training (FET) Centre for ARS Probationers as Part of the 114th FOCARS Training, ICAR–NAARM, Hyderabad Duration: 11th August 2025 to 12th September 2025 (31 Days) Host Institution: ICAR–KVK Idukki, Kerala Local FET coordinators: 1. Ms. Preethu K Paul, Subject Matter Specialist (Agricultural Extension), KVK Idukki 2. Dr. R Marimuthu, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Idukki No. of Probationers: Six ARS Probationers deputed from ICAR–NAARM, Hyderabad Name of ARS Probationers: 1. Elizabeth Thomas (Dairy Technology) 2. Harish Kumar H R (Agricultural Economics) 3. Nisha Bisht (Veterinary Parasitology) 4. James M (Genetics & Plant Breeding) 5. Aman Mahore (Farm Machinery and Power) 6. Ananya Khatei (Fish Genetics & Breeding) The Field Experience Training (FET) is an integral component of the Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FOCARS), organized by ICAR–NAARM, Hyderabad. As part of the 114th FOCARS programme, Six ARS probationers were deputed to ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Idukki, Kerala, for a 31 Days FET programme. The training was aimed at providing first-hand exposure to the probationers on grassroots level extension, technology assessment, refinement, and transfer of technology activities carried by our KVK in Idukki district. Objectives of FET were, to acquaint ARS probationers with the functioning of KVKs, to expose probationers to frontline extension methodologies and farmer participatory approaches, to provide practical orientation in technology assessment and demonstration under varied agro-ecological conditions, to sensitize probationers to the needs, aspirations, and constraints of farming communities, especially resource-poor and marginalized groups to develop skills in documentation, communication, and participatory learning. Activities Undertaken were, During the FET programme, probationers were actively engaged in the following activities: Orientation on KVK System – Briefing sessions on mandate, activities, and achievements of ICAR–KVK Idukki. Village attachment was mandatory in completion of FET training. The selected village was Kanthippara in Senapathy Panchayat, Nedumkandam Block Idukki district which is 28 km from FET Centre. ARS team visited Kanthippara Village and conducted Reconnaissance survey. Had Meetings with primary stakeholders (Agricultural Officer, Village Officer, Key Informants, Veterinary Surgeon, local officials, panchayat leaders and briefed them the purpose and objectives of FET. Started with PERA in the village the team Collected village basic information for developing agro-ecosystem map; Bio diversity of village, Documented their ‘Farming System Seasonal Calendars’ along-with gender perspectives of small, Large and Medium farmers., prepared Time Line; Time Trend, Mobility Map, Livelihood analysis and Bio-resource flow diagram, Technology Map, consequence Diagram and Recorded the ITKs of the village, done problem analysis and ranking, Collected information for Problem tree and causal diagram for the top most researchable problem identified by the farmers, Organized a Transect Walk across the village, Interacted with farmers, Matrix Ranking, prepared PRA tools of Daily Routine Diagram (DRD), Daily Activity Profile (DAP) for young and middle aged men and women representatives from large, medium and small farmers, prepared Social Mapping and Venn Diagram. Rather the Probationers participated in On-Farm Trials & Frontline Demonstrations, in ongoing OFTs/FLDs on crops, livestock, and natural resource management, Farmer Interaction Meetings – Direct interaction with progressive farmers, SHGs, and SC/ST farming communities, Training and Capacity Building Programmes – Observation and facilitation in farmer training sessions on natural farming, climate-resilient agriculture, and value addition. Meanwhile Exposure Visits were arranged to Field visits to Key informants field, model farms, demonstration units’, ICAR-Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) Myladumpara , Utopia Sustainable Society, Swargammedu an NGO focused on creating self-sustaining, nature-friendly communities, Green mount cooperative society at Cumbumettu, Kerala Livestock Development Board, Mattupatty and other agri-entrepreneurship ventures. After Documentation & Report Writing – Preparation of case studies, field reports, and experience sharing Institute and village seminar of FET presentations were done during the valedictory sessions. Presentations during the final period at KVK Idukki and Kanthippara Village was chaired by Dr. Gopal Lal, Director ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad along with Dr. Sivaramane N., ICAR-NAARM, Monitoring coordinator of FET Training. Special Focus were given for participation in activities related to empowering SC farmers through natural farming, aligning with KVK’s thematic programmes. Learning Outcomes were: Enhanced understanding of farmer participatory research and extension approaches, Practical exposure to technology dissemination under hill farming conditions of Kerala, Insights into socio-economic and gender issues influencing technology adoption, Familiarity with KVK’s role in convergence with line departments and schemes, Improved skills in communication, training design, and documentation. The FET programme at ICAR–KVK Idukki provided valuable grassroots level exposure to the ARS probationers. The experience has strengthened their understanding of the extension system, farmer interaction, and technology dissemination, which will significantly contribute to their future roles as agricultural scientists under ICAR.
