Krishi Vigyan Kendra CRS @ 91.2 FM

Contact Person: Dr. Bishnu Deo Singh, Dr. Reeta Singh 

Broadcasting Language: Hindi

Genesis: KVK Community Radio Station, Barh was established by Bihar Agricultural University in 2011. The mission of the CRS is to educate the farmers in the local community about the latest agricultural practices, technology, and allied sectors. The CRS serves as a communication medium for passing crucial information regarding different matters to the farmers, and is also a platform for farmers to share their knowledge and concerns. 

Thematic Focus: The primary focus area of KVK CRS, Barh, is knowledge dissemination and information sharing among the local farming community. Apart from this, the CRS  guides the local community regarding health, hygiene and sanitation to ensure its well-being. The CRS also works for the welfare of adolescents and women in the community, and guides the youth towards better livelihood options. 

Sustainable Development Goals: Krishi Vigyan Kendra CRS aims to achieve the given SDGs:

SDG 1: No Poverty

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Primetime Programmes: The primetime programmes of KVK, Barh include Poshan Acha-Swasthya Surakchha, and TB Challenge.  Poshan Achha-Swasthya Surakchha is a programme featuring doctors, nutritionists, social workers as well as scientists from KVK and BAU. This programme educates the rural masses about health and nutrition. The other programmes of the CRS incorporate inspirational stories, and talks by farmers and experts. Progressive farmers share their knowledge and experience with the local farming community. Scientists and agriculture experts advise the farmers with suggestions for better yield, insect and pest management in different crops and fruits, etc. 

Innovations in format or any other way: KVK CRS, Barh actively engages with the farmers on field in addition to conventional broadcasting. This is effective as the farmers spend most of their day in agricultural activities and might not be able to listen to the programmes. The CRS delivers crucial information to the farmers through its narrowcasting activities. It has been able to create a positive impact in the local farming community through its interventions. 

The CRS is also active on all major social media platforms. 

Core Team: KVK CRS, Barh has seven members in its staff. The team is led by the Station Incharge. A panel of three agricultural scientists provides insights and feedback on the programmes of the station. This helps in curating content that address the specific needs of the local farmers. 

Major Projects Undertaken: KVK CRS, Barh partnered with UNICEF for a health awareness programme. The CRS was part of a nutrition awareness campaign in association with SMART, and is currently engaged in another initiative for the rural community with the organisation. 

 Sustainable Strategies: KVK CRS, Barh is financially funded by its parent organisation, Bihar Agricultural University. It also receives support from ATMA, SMART, and various government and non-government organisations. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: Fifty villages of of  Barh, Belchi, Athmalgola and Pandarak fall within the broadcast range of the CRS, and these villages have a total population of nearly two lakh people. 

Major concerns in the Community: The farming community needs to be made aware of the scheme and welfare schemes that they are entitled to; this can significantly help in improving their condition. They need access to the latest technology and farming practices. Better prices for their yield can improve their financial condition. They need support in times of crisis like natural calamities and crop failures.