KATHUA, DECEMBER 25: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kathua has been declared the Best Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2025. The award was conferred during the three-day Annual Zonal Workshop organised by ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Ludhiana, from December 22 to 24, 2025, at SKUAST-Jammu and received by Dr. Vishal Mahajan, Head Scientist, KVK Kathua.
The recognition was accorded under Zone-I, comprising the states and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand.
The annual workshop witnessed participation of Krishi Vigyan Kendras from across the zone, who presented their achievements and innovations in agricultural extension, research and technology dissemination.
The award was based on eight key performance indicators including extension and outreach activities, quality and impact of farmer trainings, adoption of recommended technologies, measurable enhancement in crop yield and farm income, promotion of climate-resilient practices, documentation of success stories, availability of infrastructure and ICT facilities, and strong institutional linkages.
KVK Kathua stood out for its innovative initiatives such as promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations, support to agri-startups, effective use of social media and GIS tools and timely, data-driven reporting. Active participation in flagship government schemes like PMFBY, NFSM and RKVY further strengthened its performance.
Highlighting the journey of the institution, Dr. Vishal Mahajan informed that KVK Kathua was sanctioned by ICAR, New Delhi in 2008 under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu. The centre will complete 18 years of its establishment on January 7, 2026. Spread over an area of 12 hectares, KVK Kathua caters to an area of about 2,502 square kilometres of the district, covering plains, mid-hill and hilly regions.
KVK Kathua has been playing a pivotal role in identifying the technological needs of farmers and addressing them through need-based trainings, front-line demonstrations, technology refinement, exhibitions, field days, awareness campaigns and publications in local languages. These sustained efforts have significantly enhanced farmers’ awareness, productivity and income levels.
The KVK has also pioneered the introduction of new cereal varieties in the district, contributing to increased production and resilience. Climate-resilient crop varieties have been promoted in Jandi areas to help farmers cope with changing climatic conditions.
Notably, mushroom cultivation has emerged as a success story, with production increasing from 700–1,200 quintals to nearly 10,000 quintals through focused training and capacity building initiatives.
The recognition has positioned KVK Kathua as a model institution, reflecting the impact of farmer-centric, innovation-driven and sustainable agricultural interventions in transforming rural livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir.
