The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has established a wide network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country aiming at assessment, refinement and demonstration of proven technology/products. Now, 33 KVKs are operating in Odisha, out of which 31 KVKs are under the control of OUAT, one by CIFA and one by NRRI, Cuttack.Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganjam-II was established by ICAR in June 2012 under the control of OUAT at Ratanpur farm. It is surrounded by Kandhamal in the North-West, Nayagarh in the North, Khurda in the North-East, Gajapati district in the West and Bay of Bengal in the South-East. On its Southern periphery the district borders the state of Andhra Pradesh. Ganjam district is broadly divided into two divisions spreading over an area of 8206.0 Sq.km. The plains lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. Since the hills are close to the sea, the rivers flowing from hills are not very long and are subject to sudden floods. The plains are narrow because of the absence of big rivers. The coastal plains in the east contain more fertile and irrigated lands. The south eastern portion is fertile. Ganjam economy is predominantly agrarian. Around 80 percentage of the population depends on agriculture and allied activities. The long sea and Chilika coast line is a source of rich marine products and lime shells. Ganjam is a major salt producing district in the state.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra is a district level innovative institution mainly concerned with Transfer of Technological knowledge through On-Farm Testing (OFT), Front Line Demonstration (FLD), training and Farm Advisory Services at grass root level. The KVK, Ganjam-II since its inception from 2012 has been striving hard to achieve this mandate under the aegis of Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar. The activities of the KVK have supported a cross section of farming communities to enhance productivity of rice, millets, oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, fruits and flowers respectively. The achievement has been possible with the evaluation of new technology through On Farm Trials in participatory research mode, creating an impact to accept the best technology through Front Line Demonstration followed by capacity building programmes. It is needless to highlight the impact of Kissan Mela, Exhibitions, Field days, Scientist visit to farmer’s field, Published extension literatures, Film show, Exposure visit and other extension activities which has motivated the farmers towards desirable direction.
KVK is associated with multifarious task and time bound assignments given by ICAR, ZPD, OUAT and also well connected with Line Department Officials, NGOs, Reliance Foundation and Tata Trust for all-round development of farming community.