Five VKCs started in RESILIENCE project areas – to provide demand driven extension services

VKCs will connect thousands of farmers through mobile phones in the project areas

Village Knowledge Centres (VKCs) can play a pivotal role in helping the farmers to address the impact of climate change in India by undertaking informed decisions, especially, when resources are constrained. VKCs supported by ICT digital tools link farmers through mobile phones and social media that can serve as a conduit for faster and effective information and knowledge sharing. They have the potential to bridge the knowledge gaps, information access by small holders and improve gender balance in agriculture extension. VKCs are gender sensitive and socially inclusive and can be effective tools to empower women with timely knowledge on various dimensions of agriculture and livestock, including, inputs, marketing and rural development.

So far, 5 VKCs have been set up and functioning - two in Odisha (one each in Ganjam and Cuttack districts) and three in Assam (one in Sibsagar and two in Golaghat districts) in the RESILIENCE project. The center’s are run by knowledge workers from the local areas, selected and trained for this purpose. A VKC management committee comprising members from farming community, the local agencies including KVKs, panchayats, extension and agriculture department etc oversee the functioning of the VKCs, and ensure that all farmers get access to the knowledge and services provided including the training.