The Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute is a Coordination Unit for Transfer of Technology, Zone-X was established in September, 1979 as Cess Fund Scheme at Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Hyderabad primarily to monitor the activities of the Lab to Land Programme in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Puduchery and Tamilnadu. Subsequently in 1985, the unit was shifted to the campus of Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad. The Unit was given the responsibility of monitoring of Lab to Land Programme until 1986. Later the unit was brought under the plan scheme of ICAR.



In 1987, the Council gave the unit additional responsibility of monitoring other ICAR supported Transfer of Technology Projects viz. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), Trainers Training Centre (TTC), National Demonstration Scheme (NDS), Operational Research Projects (ORP), All India Coordinated Project on SC / ST (AICRP SC/ ST) and Special Projects on Oilseeds that were implemented in the zone.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Centre) in India is a unique system of technology transfer. Started its service on 21st March 1974 at Puducherry, the first KVK in India, grown to 731 KVKs in 2023. As the frontline extension system, KVKs have their footprint in every successful technology developed by institutions and adopted by farmers.

As a bridge between the institutions and farmers, starting from the green revolution era, KVKs played a major role in the progress of India in Her travel from food deficit country to self-sufficient/self-reliant Nation. Be it celebrations or difficult days, natural disasters, pandemic, epidemics etc., KVKs stood with farmers, holding their hands as a friend. Provided solutions to all their problems as ONE STOP SHOP.

As we are entering into the Golden Jubilee Year of KVKs, let us remember all those who initiated and developed the system, scientists, and staff of KVKs who served millions of farmers and the farmers who worked as messengers of KVKs.