Union government pushes to strengthen KVKs with greater State participation

New Delhi: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed an action plan to strengthen Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through greater participation from State Governments, with a focus on modern infrastructure, skilled manpower, timely funding and stronger links with farmers and rural enterprises.

The meeting reviewed recommendations related to KVKs emerging from the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference 2025 and discussed steps to speed up implementation.

A key focus is the upgradation of infrastructure and logistics at 300 prioritised KVKs by March 2027.

The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) has engaged with Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories to mobilise financial and institutional support. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have already received Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) from universities/KVKs, while other States are at different stages of preparation and implementation.

The Centre has stressed that timely State-level support will be important to complete the work within the targeted timeframe.

Another major initiative is the establishment of Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in all KVKs by December 2028.

Under the plan, KVKs are being mapped with agro-based enterprises, technical partner institutions and district-specific agricultural opportunities. KVK-wise incubation plans are being prepared for submission to States and Union Territories for funding and implementation support.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the role of KVKs beyond technology dissemination by creating greater opportunities for skill development, innovation, entrepreneurship and rural enterprises.

The meeting also reviewed reforms concerning KVK personnel. Proposed changes related to pay, allowances and promotion of KVK staff have received approval from the Department of Expenditure.

States were also urged to provide NPS contributions and retirement benefits, where applicable, and undertake timely recruitment against vacancies to ensure adequate manpower.

Timely release of funds was another important issue, particularly for seasonal agricultural programmes where delays can affect field-level activities.

Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLD) on Pulses and Oilseeds programme for 2026–27, activities are being implemented across 24 States through 353 KVKs/districts.

The programme has a target area of 12,349 hectares, of which 9,750 hectares has already been covered.

States were asked to ensure timely fund flow to ATARI and KVK levels, availability of recommended quality seeds and varieties, and better coordination during planning and implementation of demonstrations.

The meeting also highlighted the role of KVKs in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY).

States have been requested to provide adequate funding to KVKs for their mandated activities and district-specific action plans under the scheme. KVK activities at the district level are also expected to be uploaded on the designated portal to support monitoring, reporting and assessment of outcomes.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed that strengthening KVKs will require Centre-State convergence, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower, timely funding and effective district-level planning.

With stronger infrastructure and institutional support, KVKs can serve as important local platforms for taking scientific knowledge, improved varieties, modern farm technologies, skills and entrepreneurship opportunities closer to farmers and rural communities.

The broader objective is to make KVKs more effective in technology dissemination, skill development, innovation and rural entrepreneurship while responding to emerging challenges in Indian agriculture.