Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review the action plan for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through greater participation and support from State Governments. The meeting examined progress on key recommendations related to KVKs made during the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference 2025 and discussed measures to ensure their timely implementation.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, along with senior officials, participated in the deliberations.
Infrastructure Upgrade for 300 KVKs
A major focus of the meeting was the proposed upgradation of infrastructure and logistics at 300 priority KVKs by March 2027. Shri Chouhan called for stronger cooperation from State Governments and stressed that timely financial and institutional assistance would be essential to meet the deadline.
The DARE Secretary has already held discussions with Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories to encourage greater support for the initiative. Several States have begun preparatory work through their State Agricultural Universities. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have received Detailed Project Reports from universities and KVKs, while other States are progressing with DPR preparation and implementation.
Incubation and Skill Development Centres
The meeting also reviewed plans to establish Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in every KVK by December 2028. The initiative aims to transform KVKs into stronger platforms for agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development.
As part of the exercise, KVKs are being linked with agro-based enterprises, technology partners and agricultural opportunities specific to individual districts. KVK-wise incubation plans are being prepared and will subsequently be submitted to State Governments and Union Territories for funding and implementation support.
Focus on KVK Staff and Human Resources
Personnel-related reforms were another important part of the discussions. Proposed changes concerning the pay, allowances and promotion of KVK employees have received approval from the Department of Expenditure.
The meeting also highlighted the responsibility of States, wherever applicable, to provide National Pension System (NPS) contributions and retirement-related benefits to KVK staff. States were urged to fill vacant positions promptly so that KVKs have sufficient manpower to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Timely Funds for Agricultural Demonstrations
The Minister also emphasized the importance of releasing funds to KVKs on time, particularly for activities linked to seasonal agricultural operations. Delays in funding can affect the implementation of programmes within critical sowing and cultivation windows.
Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations programme on pulses and oilseeds for 2026–27, activities are being conducted in 24 States through 353 KVKs and districts. The programme has a target coverage of 12,349 hectares, of which 9,750 hectares has already been achieved.
States were asked to ensure smooth fund flows to Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs) and KVKs. They were also encouraged to ensure timely availability of quality seeds and recommended varieties and improve coordination during demonstration planning and implementation.
KVKs to Support PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
The meeting further reviewed the contribution of KVKs to the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY). States were requested to provide adequate financial support to KVKs for their regular responsibilities as well as district-specific activities under the scheme.
The Minister also stressed that KVK activities carried out at the district level should be systematically recorded and uploaded on the designated portal. This will strengthen monitoring, reporting and assessment of programme outcomes.
Strengthening Centre-State Convergence
Shri Chouhan underlined that the transformation of KVKs would depend on effective Centre-State coordination, modern infrastructure, adequate human resources, timely funding and district-focused planning.
Stronger KVKs are expected to bring scientific knowledge, advanced agricultural technologies, improved crop varieties, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities closer to farmers and rural communities. The government’s renewed focus on these institutions aims to make them more effective centres for technology transfer, capacity building and rural enterprise development, contributing to a more productive and prosperous agricultural sector.
Also Read: India Should Become a Global Medical and Healthcare Destination: Piyush Goyal
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
