Participation of ICAR–KVK Idukki in Farm School Programmes of ATMA, Department of Agriculture, Government of Kerala
(14-Oct-2025)
Participation of ICAR–KVK Idukki in Farm School Programmes of ATMA, Department of Agriculture, Government of Kerala ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Idukki actively collaborated with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Department of Agriculture, Government of Kerala, in implementing farmer-oriented capacity building programmes. Farm School is one of the innovative extension models under ATMA aimed at promoting farmer-to-farmer extension through practical, season-long training in farmers’ fields. KVK Idukki played a significant role in strengthening Farm School activities across different villages by providing technical expertise, resource persons, and field-level demonstrations. KVK Idukki provided technical backstopping support to ATMA Farm Schools, ensured dissemination of latest agricultural technologies and practices at grassroots level, promoted farmer-to-farmer learning and experiential training, supported capacity building of farmer facilitators and ATMA functionaries, strengthened convergence and linkages between KVK and line departments for holistic agricultural development. KVK Idukki covered Different Villages like Mannamkandam, Munnar, Anavilasam, Chinnakanal, Bisonvalley, Kunchithanny, Nedumkandam and Senapathy Covered. Technical sessions were taken by KVK scientists on crop management, integrated pest and nutrient management, natural farming, and value addition. On-field demonstrations and practical classes were organized for Farm School participants. Interaction and problem-solving sessions with farmers were also arranged. Capacity building of farmer facilitators through training on documentation, group dynamics, and farmer-led extension approaches, Dissemination of KVK publications, advisory services, and mobile-based agro-advisories were also there. Due to this KVK Idukki Strengthened convergence between KVK and ATMA for effective extension delivery, Enhanced knowledge and skills of farmers in scientific agricultural practices, Empowered farmer facilitators to serve as local extension agents, Increased adoption of improved technologies in vegetables, spices, and livestock enterprises in participating villages, Facilitated horizontal spread of innovations through farmer-to-farmer learning. Participation of ICAR–KVK Idukki in ATMA Farm School programmes has proved highly beneficial in bridging the research-extension-farmer interface. By serving as resource persons and providing field-level technical support, KVK scientists have contributed to empowering farmers, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening decentralized agricultural extension in Idukki district.
