Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya Institute of Agriculture & Rural Development, Coimbatore – Empowering Rural India Through Value-Based Agricultural Education
Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya Institute of Agriculture & Rural Development (SRMV IARD), located in Coimbatore – 20, is a reputed agricultural institution established in 1956. Affiliated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), it offers holistic agricultural education rooted in rural development and self-reliance. Functioning under the guidance of the Ramakrishna Mission, the institute integrates value-based learning with practical farming techniques, making it a key player among agricultural institutes in Tamil Nadu.
Objectives SRMV IARD
- To train rural youth in scientific agriculture and rural entrepreneurship.
- To promote self-employment in farming and allied sectors.
- To provide hands-on agricultural training integrated with spiritual and moral values.
- To disseminate sustainable farming practices through community engagement.
Research Achievements
While SRMV IARD primarily focuses on diploma education, the institute has contributed to research in:
- Organic farming techniques suited for South Indian soils.
- Low-cost vermicomposting models for small and marginal farmers.
- Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for dryland agriculture.
- Seed treatment and nursery management trials under field conditions.
Its projects often involve direct farmer participation, helping validate and implement techniques in real farm settings.
Facilities and Services
SRMV IARD offers excellent infrastructure and student-centric services:
- Residential hostel with disciplined and value-based living.
- Demonstration farms, horticultural gardens, compost units, and a meteorological observatory.
- Smart classrooms, seed processing units, and a bio-control lab.
- Access to TNAU’s digital learning materials and agricultural journals.
- Campus-wide access to the Vidyalaya’s library, meditation hall, sports fields, and health services.
Education and Training
The institute offers a 2-year Diploma in Agriculture and Rural Development, recognized by TNAU. The curriculum covers:
- Soil science, agronomy, horticulture, entomology, and animal husbandry.
- Practical exposure through field trials, crop demonstrations, and lab sessions.
- Weekly village visits to connect theory with farmer realities.
- Training in entrepreneurship for ventures like mushroom cultivation, dairy farming, beekeeping, and vermicompost production.
Extension & Outreach
Extension activities form a core component of SRMV IARD’s mission:
- Organizes farmers’ field schools, awareness camps, and model demonstrations.
- Distributes seedlings, compost samples, and biofertilizers.
- Collaborates with State Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to reach underserved rural regions.
- Alumni and students work in Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across India.
Leadership & Partnerships
- Leadership: The Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya Institute of Agriculture & Rural Development (SRMV IARD) operates under the visionary leadership of the Ramakrishna Mission, a globally respected organization known for its commitment to education, discipline, and rural development. The institute is managed by a dedicated committee that oversees academic progress, character development, and community service. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s ideals, SRMV IARD fosters an environment where value-based education is seamlessly blended with scientific agricultural training.
- Partnerships: SRMV IARD maintains strong collaborations to enhance its academic reach and rural impact. It is academically affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and works in association with RKMVERI (Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational & Research Institute) for higher education and rural research programs. The institute partners with state agriculture and horticulture departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for farmer outreach, input support, field training, and alumni placements. These partnerships enable SRMV IARD to play a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural entrepreneurship across Tamil Nadu.Would you like me to plug this back into the full 600-word profile or format it for a br
Contact Information
Address: Institute of Agriculture & Rural Development Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya Post, Periyanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore – 641020, Tamil Nadu, India
Email: srmv.iard@gmail.com
Website: srkv.org/institutes/institute-of-agriculture-and-rural-development
Conclusion
SRMV IARD Coimbatore is more than just an agricultural institute—it’s a movement to empower rural youth with skills, dignity, and purpose. With a unique combination of value-based education, scientific farming, and rural outreach, it continues to shape responsible agriculturists and community leaders. For those seeking a solid foundation in agriculture with real-world exposure and a spiritual ethos, SRMV IARD stands among the top agriculture colleges in Tamil Nadu.