1. Surveys
Surveys are being conducted every year in order to assess the technological advancement of the farmers with regard to crop production and allied activities availability of resources such as irrigation, land, man power etc. and based on these, technological gaps are identified which help to formulate suitable strategies in the form of trainings, frontline demonstrations, exposure trips, group meetings etc. Besides, at times requirement special surveys are also designed and conducted to obtain requisite information.
2. Training programmes
Based on the inference obtained through surveys, training programmes in various disciplines are organized ranging from 1 day to 1 week in the form of either off campus and on campus training programmes. Traning programmes are also designed to suit different sections of the society such as rural youth, farm women, educated unemployed etc. Similarly regular trainings are also conducted to cater the needs of field level extension functionaries of various developmental departments based on the requirements. Regular pre-seasonal trainings to frontline demonstration beneficiaries and other farmers are also conducted specifically on crops, technologies in which FLDs are taken up in order to make them aware of what type of technology is going to be implemented in their fields and benefits of such latest technical knowhow.
3. Frontline demonstrations (FLD’s)
The rationale behind conducting Frontline demonstrations is to demonstrate, convince and popularize latest technologies for the enhancement of yield and quality or those in the pipeline to farmers. This KVK is involved in conducting FLDs in various field and horticultural crops right from established in 1995 which include groundnut, greengram, sunflower, cotton, paddy, pigeonpea, safflower, chickpea, sorghum, bajra, foxtail millet while in horticulture crops like chilli, watermelon, bhendi, jasmine, coconut etc. The thrust areas of FLDs are Integrated Pest Management(IPM), Integrated Nutrient Management(INM), popularizing new hybrids/varieties and this KVK to its credit and has the role of effectively popularizing the IPM in cotton involved effectively in implementation of cotton IPM and ICM in an area of 350 acres . Similarly IPM demonstrations are also being conducted since 2000-01 for effective pod borer management in pigeon pea, chickpea. This KVK is in the forefront in conducting INM demonstrations in groundnut, sunflower, chickpea and effectively popularizing new cotton, pigeon pea, sunflower, and chickpea, maize varieties / hybrids.
4. On farm testing (OFT)
On farm testing is to test and evaluate research findings in the farmers’ fields and to be modify and refine the technology to suit the local needs for better adoption by farmers. The KVK has been conducting OFT in the disciplines of plant protection, crop production in cotton, jasmine, mango, watermelon, pomegranate, onion, paddy, sugarcane etc.
5. Revolving fund operated by Individual Scientists.
All the scientists of KVK, Hagari operate University and ICAR sponsored revolving funds, in seed production of several crops, supply of horticulture planting materials, value addition to agricultural produce which cater to the needs of a sizeable customers including developmental departments. The revolving funds are functioning and sustainable.
6. Entrepreneurship development programmes
The Demonstration units like vermiculture, animal husbandry and dairy unit, farm machinery equipment are established at KVK Hagari. Organising skill oriented training programmes and imparting technical knowledge to encourage entrepreneurship in individual and group levels in the field of cottage industries like vermiculture, apiculture, papad preparation, fruit and vegetable processing, bakery, candle making, soap making, preparation of grafts, layers, in horticultural crops and biopesticide preparation and usage.
7. Consultancy services
The KVK Scientists are the resource persons to impart the training on various aspects of crop production and protection strategies for the farmers beneficiaries, of different NGO’s like AME Foundation, CAARDS, SEEDS, VAHINI, SWASTIK, etc.,
8. Radio tips
KVK is the institute which regularly sends the news and solutions to All India Radio, Hospet on a wide range of field problems to cater to the needs of farming community and these messages are decided based on the regular field visits and queries from farmers. Besides, which radio talks pertaining to crop production and protection strategies are frequently given by the scientists for the benefit of farming community at large.
Recently a very good impact was created after broadcasting of a AIR talk on fascinating world of insects delivered by Sri.C.M.Rafee. A high school student by name Syida Nazafar Fathima has learnt creation of various kinds of insects out of waste papers. This creative activity dragged the attention of state / nation after publishing an article in SUDHA weekly magazine dated 31st May 2007. The AIR, Hospet got lot of credit and one year sponsporship was granted for such programmes from Baldota group of companies.
9. Doorkdarshan Programmes
Bellary district has the credit of having three DD LPT (Low Power Transmission) centers in addition to existing two AIR stations. The UAS, Dharwad in general and KVK, Hagari in particular in collaboration with DD Kendra, Bangalore are preparing programmes for ‘Krishi Darshan’ which will be telecasted every day from 6.0 – 6.30 PM from these LPT centers. These telecasted programmes are also being evaluated by DD throught NGO’s and the impact in encouraging.
Based on the good impact created from this centre, Mr.C.M.Rafee SMS (Entomology) and Programme Co-ordinator was invited to DD Kendra, Bangalore for a live interview in general section “BELAGU’ of Chandana Vahini on 10-06-2004 (7.00 – 7.45 AM) which is a unique opportunity in anyone’s lifetime.
10. Farm trials
The latest technologies developed through research are being tested under close supervision of KVK scientists in farmers fields and based on the results and response of farmers, necessary feed back is given to scientists to refine the technology which are released later. The KVK has the credit of testing more than 100 technologies through farm trail in the farmers field.