Hub Of Knowledge For Farmers

Agriculture

November 12, 2019

Hub Of Knowledge For Farmers

GOVERNMENT INVESTOR IN AGRICULTURE

Investor:Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Project:Krishi Vigyan Kendra
Location:Kodinar, Gujarat
Duration:2007-To Date

Agriculture is a way of life in India and farming know how is traditionally passed on from one generation to another.

However in today's day and age, with the advent of new technologies and modern, scientific approaches to farming, there is a need, now more than ever, for farmers to adopt learning as a continuous exercise. For the average farmer however, accessing information is a challenge. There is also no formal approach in many areas to reach farmers for transferring knowledge from researchers, scientists and laboratories.

This was also the case in Kodinar, Gujarat- until 2007 when Krishi Vigyan Kendra came into existence. In 2007-08 the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) sanctioned the establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for the district of Junagadh, to be implemented and managed by Ambuja Foundation.

Having undergone a rigorous process of assessment, Ambuja Foundation was awarded the project based on the strength of its work in agriculture in the region, strong relationship with farmers and proven expertise in project management. As part of the project, Ambuja Cements Ltd. agreed to provide 20 ha of land for the establishment of KVK in Kodinar.

Ambuja Foundation's KVK team started by selecting 20 villages in four blocks to conduct a Participatory Rural Appraisal to understand the agriculture situation and identify gaps in knowledge, skills and adoption of technologies. Based on this, baseline information was generated and interventions were planned to plug the gaps by organizing training, demonstrations, on-farm testing and other extension activities.

Realizing the value of access to information on a daily basis, an FM Community Radio Station was also established to disseminate information and knowledge to farmers across 54 villages in a 12-15 km radius. Additionally, a voice message service was initiated to address different agricultural issues according to the season and crop.The messaging service is now reaching 8000 farmers annually.

The impact of these initiatives is clearly visible in the fields of farmers! Thanks to the efforts and guidance of Ambuja Foundation's KVK, farmers have adopted new technologies, become entrepreneurs and increased their incomes. Many farmers are receiving university, district and state level awards in recognition of their initiatives and efforts.

IMPACT

313 Villages Reached
118528 Farmers Participated in different extension activities
74500 Farmers received 69 Agricultural articles
42062 Farmers trained in various aspects of Agriculture
500+ Farmers adopted Organic Farming under the guidance of KVK scientists

Tags: Agriculture

November 12, 2019

The Diversification Dividend

September 10, 2026

When you think of farming incomes in India, you think in thousands. Rarely in lakhs. And almost never double digits – Rs. 28 lakh a year is almost unheard of. Yet, on a small patch of land (2.7 ha) in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, that is exactly what Suman and her husband have built. Not through a single breakthrough—but through a series of deliberate, well-timed shifts.
Going Organic

September 10, 2026

For years, farming in Haridwar’s sugarcane belt followed a familiar pattern: more chemicals, more fertiliser, and rising cultivation costs. Productivity remained the priority even as soil fertility declined.
The Village Climate Reset

September 10, 2026

For a village in Gujarat’s rainfed cotton belt, where farming has become increasingly difficult attributed to rising temperatures, water stress, and declining soil health, the sapling forest has become a visible sign of change.
Climate Smart Farming: Bridging Science and Farm Practices

February 24, 2026

Discover how climate coordinators are preparing farmers for climate-smart farming. Ambuja Foundation is a leading NGO working for the empowerment of rural farmers.
The Cotton Queens of Chandrapur

September 19, 2025

In the heart of Chandrapur’s Rajura block lies Devada, a quiet farming village where cotton reigns supreme. With 264 of its 298 households cultivating over 2200 acres, agriculture is more than a livelihood—it’s a way of life. But it was defined by outdated practices, limited tools and little access to credit.