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 (KVK), India's unique technology transfer system, has come a long way since its inception on 21st March 1974, with the first KVK established in Puducherry. Over the years, the KVK network has expanded to 731 centers by 2023, growing into an essential part of India's agricultural landscape. As the frontline extension system , KVKs have contributed significantly to the adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technologies, empowering farmers and transforming rural livelihoods.

KVKs have played a pivotal role in India's agricultural success, bridging the gap between research institutions and the farming community. From the Green Revolution to the present-day emphasis on precision farming, digital agriculture, climate-resilient technologies, and sustainable farming practices, KVKs have been at the forefront of India's journey from a food-deficit nation to one that is now self-sufficient and a global leader in agriculture.