The Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) was formed by the duo in the early 1990s to develop indigenous knowledge in the field of agriculture. Citing the core concepts of the organization as biodiversity conservation, organic agriculture and vriksayurveda (the ancient science of plants), Vijayalakshmi says, "Our organization is involved both in research and extension. We conduct research on various organic farming technologies, both on our experimental farm and in the farmers' fields." Tested practices and technologies are then disseminated through training programmes and publications.