Economic Impact of KVK Interventions on Farmer Income in Bidar District of Karnataka, India

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the economic impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) training and technology interventions on farmer income and profitability across selected agricultural and allied activities in the KVK Bidar region of Karnataka. Study Design: A comparative, pre-test/post-test analysis design was utilized to assess economic performance before and after KVK training interventions. Place and Duration of Study: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bidar, Karnataka. The study focuses on specific intervention activities conducted during the years 2018 and 2019. Methodology: Data were collected from a total of 120 farmers using a multistage purposive sampling technique, with 40 farmers selected for each of the three evaluated activities (vermicompost production, soybean seed production, and millet papad production). The study employed tabular economic analysis comparing costs, gross returns, net returns, and benefit-cost ratios (BCR) of the activities before and after the KVK training interventions. Results: Post-intervention data confirmed substantial improvements in profitability across all three activities. Gross returns for vermicompost production increased from ₹6,300 to ₹7,200, soybean seed production saw a rise from ₹31,565 to ₹53,772, and millet papad production improved from ₹1,125 to ₹1,312. Similarly, net returns rose significantly for vermicompost (₹1,904 to ₹3,397), soybean seed production (₹13,200 to ₹33,864), and millet papad production (₹201 to ₹551). The Benefit-Cost Ratios (BCR) improved markedly post-intervention, validating enhanced profitability: vermicompost (1.43 to 1.89), millet papad (1.21 to 1.72), and most significantly, soybean seed production (1.74 to 2.70). Conclusion: KVK interventions in Bidar District, Karnataka, have a demonstrable and positive economic impact, leading to significant increases in farmer income, net returns, and profitability. The study validates KVKs as effective institutions for enhancing the economic status of rural farming communities.