Palampur Agriversity’s KVK Mandi Bags Prestigious “Best KVK Award”
29 December 2025, Palampur: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Palampur has achieved a significant milestone as its constituent Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mandi has been conferred with the ICAR Zone1 Best KVK Award for the year 2024-25 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The prestigious award recognizes KVK Mandi’s outstanding, innovative, and impactful contributions in the field of agricultural extension.
ICAR Zone1 comprises 72 Krishi Vigyan Kendras across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. KVK Mandi’s selection among this highly competitive group is a matter of pride for CSKHPKV Palampur, Mandi district, and the state of Himachal Pradesh. The award was presented during the Annual Zonal Workshop of KVKs of ICAR Zone1 held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, and was bestowed by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu, Dr. B. N. Tripathi.
KVK Mandi has played a transformative role in the district through focused interventions on crop diversification, mushroom cultivation, seed production, agri-entrepreneurship development, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), promotion of natural and sustainable farming, value addition, capacity-building trainings, on-farm trials, frontline demonstrations, and drone-based demonstrations of agricultural technologies. Its initiatives to link women and youth farmers with self-employment opportunities have contributed to enhanced farm incomes, reduced risks, and sustainable agricultural growth.
Congratulating the entire KVK Mandi team, the Vice-Chancellor, CSKHPKV Palampur, Prof. Dr. A. K. Panda, expressed immense happiness over the achievement and termed it a proud moment for the University. He lauded the dedicated efforts of KVK scientists and staff, and stated that the award reflects the University’s strong commitment to farmer-centric research, extension, and innovation. He also appreciated the leadership of the Director (Extension Education), Dr. Vinod Sharma, for providing continuous guidance and support.
The University and KVK Mandi also acknowledged the encouragement and support of Director, ICAR ATARI Zone1, Dr. Parvinder Sheron, and his team. On the occasion, heartfelt appreciation was extended to the print and electronic media for their consistent role in disseminating agro-advisories, weather alerts, crop protection messages, and new technologies, ensuring timely and effective reach to farmers.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Pankaj Sood, In-charge, KVK Mandi, stated that the award is a collective outcome of the efforts of farmers, scientists, extension personnel, allied departments, and media partners, and that this recognition brings national-level pride to Himachal Pradesh and CSKHPKV Palampur.
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