ICAR-ATARI Kanpur

Two days Hands-on Training on Landscape Diagnostic Survey (LDS) Using Open Data Kit (ODK) organized at ICAR-ATARI, Kanpur(11-12 August 2026 )

On 11 August 2026, a two-day Hands-on Training on Landscape Diagnostic Survey (LDS) using Open Data Kit (ODK) (11-12 August 2026) jointly organized by ICAR-ATARI, Zone-III, Kanpur and IFPRI, New Delhi was inaugurated at ICAR-ATARI, Zone-III, Kanpur. The training programme aimed at strengthening the capacity of KVK scientists in digital, data-driven and evidence-based agricultural extension for generating reliable field-level information to support research and policy formulation.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Raghwendra Singh, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-III, Kanpur, emphasized that quality data is the greatest strength of an effective agricultural extension system. He further stated that the data collected through the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform would generate reliable, real-time field insights that could be effectively utilized for research prioritization, technology refinement and evidence-based decision making, thereby strengthening regional extension strategies and enhancing the impact of the Landscape Diagnostic Survey.

Addressing the participants, Dr. R.K. Malik, CSISA, stressed that the primary focus of the survey should be to understand the district-specific needs and challenges of farmers, so that research, extension interventions and policy decisions are aligned with local realities and contribute to demand-driven agricultural development. Dr. Arindam & Dr. Madhulika also highlighted the importance of LDS-ODK in present scenario.

The training was attended by Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) from the various KVKs of UP & Bihar including KVK Chandauli, Gonda-I, Siddharthnagar, Gaya, Rohtas and Muzaffarpur. During the technical sessions on first day, Dr. R.K. Malik (CSISA) provided an overview of the Landscape Diagnostic Survey (LDS), its objectives, scope and expected outcomes, while Dr. Madhulika and Dr. Arindam conducted comprehensive hands-on sessions on the Open Data Kit (ODK)-based digital survey platform, covering questionnaire navigation, interview techniques, data entry protocols, validation checks, quality control, troubleshooting and real-time data collection. Scientists and project staff from ICAR-ATARI, Kanpur and Patna also participated in the technical sessions and interacted with experts throughout the programme which promoted cross learning and collaborative knowledge sharing.