Panaji: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North Goa, is set for a major infrastructure upgrade that will transform the agricultural extension centre into a modern hub for farmers with smart classrooms, advanced farming technologies and diagnostic laboratories. To diversify farmers’ income opportunities, KVK will also establish a mushroom unit and a honey bee processing unit.A smart classroom will be developed in the existing training hall and equipped with modern teaching tools, including a laptop with accessories, high-resolution LED display panels, a two-way communication camera, audio-visual equipment and other digital infrastructure. The facility will support hybrid training programmes, webinars and virtual interactions with agricultural experts.A key component of the project is the establishment of a precision farming system comprising precision irrigation, automated fertigation, soil monitoring, an automatic weather station, a data logger and a communication system.The project also includes renovation of the existing protected cultivation structure into an upgraded polyhouse with structural refurbishment, UV-stabilised cladding, irrigation and fertigation systems, foggers, orchid benches, farm tools, soilless growing media, fertilisers and tissue-cultured orchid planting material.A farm machinery workshop will be set up for demonstrations, maintenance and training on agricultural equipment. The project also envisages a farmers’ hostel to enable farmers and trainees from across Goa to attend residential training programmes.
