Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is an agricultural department of the government of India, the department is situated in various parts of the country which focuses on the rural agriculture. In Kalimpong the Kendra has been working since 1993 looking after the two districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong and is known as “Darjeeling Krishi Vigyan Kendra”.

The training was held on 16th July, 2020 in the community hall of Tirwa Gaon. The volunteers from SOGG Open Learning and information Centre, Chibbo helped in organising the event. From KVK there were 3 staffs who came to deliver the training; Mrs. Snehalata Lama (Horticulture specialist), Dr. Ranjit Panda (Soil scientist) and Mr. Saran Bhujel. There were 28 farmers present who got to learn new ideas and discussed their problems about agriculture. Mrs. Lama used ppt. presentation as a medium to explain about tomato cultivation while Dr. Panda and Mr. Bhujel talked about soil testing. The farmers requested KVK to conduct more trainings related to other vegetables in the future.

Since 2020 GFF Helps India has been working on creating linkages with the government departments to bridge the gap between villages and the government schemes made especially for them. Krishi Vigyan Kendra is one of those government departments that have come forward to collaborate and work for the betterment of the society.

On the 15th of October, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) an agricultural extension centre in India, serving as a link between Indian Council of Agricultural Research and farmers, organised free seed distribution of tomatoes and long chilly. GFF HELPS India team had contacted KVK to organise this one-day training with distribution session. Volunteers from SOGG Open Learning and Information Centre, Chibbo had helped us to organise this much needed event. After the training KVK distributed the seeds to the residents of Tirwa Gaon of Chibbo Busty.

by Nikita Rai, GFF HELPS India Local Representative &
Melissa Namchu, GFF HELPS India Local Representative