The Joint Directorate of Extension Education at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) was established in 1986 to address the needs of livestock owners, farmers, and other stakeholders by providing a wide range of extension services. These services include the training programs, industry-academia interactions, exhibitions, animal health camps, national day celebrations, radio talks, teleconsultations, exposure visits, distribution of farm literature, and other. The Directorate oversees the activities of several key units, including the Division of Extension Education, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Communication Centre, Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU), Zonal Agro-Technology Management Centre (ZTMC) and the Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Centre. All of these units collaborate under the guidance and supervision of the Joint Directorate in the planning and execution of field-based extension education programs.
Since its establishment, the Joint Directorate of Extension Education has been actively involved in the dissemination of technologies developed by IVRI, particularly in the areas of livestock health, production, and management. This technology transfer is facilitated through a variety of extension activities, which are conducted in partnership with scientists and experts from different divisions and sections of IVRI. These initiatives aim to ensure that the latest research and innovations reach the farmers and stakeholders who can benefit from them. In addition, the Directorate maintains strong partnerships with various external organizations and stakeholders. It fosters collaborations with government departments at both the state and national levels, including those involved in animal husbandry, agriculture, rural development, fisheries, and dairying. The Directorate also works closely with State Agricultural and Veterinary Universities, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the corporate sector, private companies in the livestock and agriculture industries, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These partnerships are crucial for the development and implementation of collaborative extension programs aimed at enhancing livestock sector development across the country. Through these multi-faceted collaborations and comprehensive extension efforts, the Joint Directorate of Extension Education plays a vital role in transferring knowledge, advancing technology, and supporting the growth of the livestock sector in India.
Units of Joint Directorate of Extension Education
1. Division of Extension Education
In 1985, when ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) was granted the status of a Deemed University, the Division of Extension Education initiated its postgraduate program focused on Extension Education. This program was designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in promoting effective livestock technology transfer. A core function of the division is conducting research on various multi-dimensional challenges related to the transfer of livestock technologies. This research is supported through both internally funded and extramural projects. The Division’s research agenda covers key areas such as extension strategies, communication techniques, training and teaching methodologies, extension management, and rural appraisal. These areas of study aim to foster sustainable livestock development by addressing the unique needs of rural communities. Furthermore, the Division plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and practical application. It designs and implements extension programs in selected villages, with a focus on developing and testing suitable extension strategies that can be applied in real-world settings. A significant emphasis is placed on identifying and investigating field-level problems faced by farmers, ensuring that these challenges are brought back to the research domain for further study and refinement of effective solutions. The ultimate goal of the Division is to promote the advancement of livestock development through a combination of cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and community engagement. The Division of Extension Education is equipped with class rooms, committee hall and divisional library. All the classrooms and committee rooms are well equipped with LCD projectors and necessary conducive environment for effective learning process.
2. Institute Technology Management Unit
The Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) functions as a facilitating and supporting entity within the Institute, responsible for identifying emerging technologies and managing its intellectual property (IP) portfolio. The unit carefully evaluates and processes cases related to the filing of patent applications for new technologies developed at the Institute. In addition, ITMU addresses various issues related to the IP regime and technology transfer, in accordance with the policies and guidelines set by the Institute Technology Management Committee (ITMC) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). ITMU handles all matters related to IP protection, maintenance, and the transfer or commercialization of technologies at the Institute level, ensuring compliance with ICAR's guidelines and any administrative or policy decisions issued by ICAR from time to time. For specific advice or assistance, ITMU may also consult with the Zonal Agro-Technology Management Centers (ZTMCs) at the regional level or the Agro-Technology Management Centre (ATMC) at the ICAR headquarters to help advance its objectives.
3. Agri Business Incubation Centre
The Agri Business Incubation Centre at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, is designed to foster an ecosystem for startups and facilitate entrepreneurship development in the animal science sector. Its primary focus is on offering entrepreneurship development training programmes (EDPs), incubation facilities, and comprehensive support to create a complete value chain in various domains of animal science. The centre aims to establish itself as a leader within the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) by providing technology and skill enhancement, input supply, and market support, thereby promoting viable enterprises and sustainable employment for entrepreneurs. It also emphasizes scaling up pilot-level value chains in collaboration with stakeholders and exploring grassroots innovations and appropriate technologies critical for future growth and competitive leadership. Furthermore, the centre is dedicated to imparting training and building the capacity of prospective entrepreneurs, generating skilled manpower capable of competing effectively. Additionally, it provides seed money support to promising incubates or entrepreneurs undertaking innovative technologies or solutions. To facilitate the startup ecosystem, R-ABI (RAFTAAR- Agri business incubation) at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute came into existence in 2019 under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana-Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) Scheme of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to tap innovations and technologies for venture creation in different focus areas. The aim of the scheme is strengthening infrastructure in Agriculture and Allied sectors to promote Agripreneurship and Agribusiness by facilitating financial aid and nurturing a system of business incubation. The Directorate additionally houses two incubation space with 18 workstations for Startups. Further, ABI holds incubation space at different Division / Sections also which are well equipped with various equipment.
4. Agricultural Technology Information Centre
The Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) serves as a single-window delivery system for disseminating veterinary and livestock technologies developed by the institute. It plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between researchers and end users, such as farmers, livestock owners, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in the animal husbandry and veterinary sectors. The Centre addresses a common challenge faced by livestock farmers and stakeholders, who often lack clarity about where to go and whom to approach within research institutes for assistance with specific livestock-related issues. By implementing a single-window system at the institute’s entrance, ATIC simplifies access to critical information and support. This system ensures that livestock farmers and entrepreneurs receive clear, accurate, and user-friendly information tailored to their specific needs, minimizing the risk of miscommunication or distortion. Beyond serving as an information hub, ATIC at ICAR-IVRI plays a pivotal role in fostering coordination between the research community and end users in the livestock sector. It helps establish a formal, structured, and well-managed linkage mechanism that integrates researchers, veterinary experts, and departmental specialists across disciplines with livestock farmers and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that research outputs, such as vaccines, diagnostic technologies, nutritional strategies, and management practices, are effectively translated into practical solutions. By facilitating the adoption of these innovations, ATIC contributes significantly to enhancing animal health, productivity, and overall growth in the livestock sector.
5. Krishi Vigyan Kendra
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, under the aegis of ICAR-Indian Veterinary Institute, Izatnagar Bareilly was established in 1985 and plays a pivotal role in transferring agricultural and livestock technologies to farmers and rural communities. It focuses on technology dissemination, capacity building, and promoting sustainable agricultural and livestock practices. The KVK conducts need-based training programs, on-farm testing (OFT), frontline demonstrations (FLD), veterinary health camps, and awareness campaigns to improve productivity and livelihoods. It also provides advisory services, high-quality seeds, planting materials, and veterinary products to support farmers. By encouraging integrated farming systems and environmentally sustainable practices, the KVK enhances farmer income, empowers women and youth, and ensures the adoption of advanced technologies in agriculture and animal husbandry. Through its comprehensive initiatives, the KVK bridges the gap between research and practical application, strengthening sustainable development in Bareilly and its surrounding regions. Krishi Vigyan Kendra is equipped with two training halls and farms for capacity building and demonstration and trial of various farming system.
6. Communication Centre
The Communication Centre at ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) was established on March 23, 1986, to provide essential services and support to the institute's faculty in their research, teaching, and training activities. The center plays a crucial role in facilitating effective communication and ensuring the smooth dissemination of information through providing support in photography, videography and dissemination of information through print and electronic media. The Public Relations/Press & Media Section of the unit coordinates with media outlets and manages the institute's public relations. Thus, the Communication Centre acts as a vital support system for the institute, enhancing the quality and reach of its academic and research outputs.