Farm Science Centre and On-Farm Food Safety Training in India: Perspectives of Programme Coordinators

Abstract

Foodborne illness due to consumption of contaminated food and water is one of the major public health concerns in India. This assessment study primarily intended to contribute to the discourse on engaging Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) (Farm Science Centre) in training farmers to adopt food safety practices on their farms. A questionnaire was developed, validated and administered online to Programme Coordinators (PCs) of KVKs. The results of the assessment showed that PCs are not only familiar with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) but also value the significance of food safety training. Excessive use of pesticides, lack of hygienic practices and improper washing of vegetables were identified as the major food safety concerns in KVK districts. The result showed that KVKs with food safety Subject Matter Specialists (SMS) are more likely to offer food safety training to farmers than KVKs without them. A need was also expressed for having a food safety SMS to deliver food safety programs. Lack of workers’ food safety awareness and limited field workers were identified as major programming barriers. KVKs need to develop strategies and allocate resources to overcome the programming barriers to accommodate and prioritise on-farm food safety awareness programs in their annual action plans. As one of the major component of public Extension system in India and with its wide presence, KVKs should take a lead role in offering food safety training to farmers as well as Extension professionals.