New Delhi, September 7: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday reviewed a roadmap to strengthen Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through greater participation of state governments, with a focus on modern infrastructure, farmer training, innovation and rural entrepreneurship.
The review meeting, held in New Delhi, examined measures to accelerate implementation of recommendations related to KVKs that emerged from the fifth conference of chief secretaries held in 2025.
A key target discussed during the meeting was the upgradation of 300 priority KVKs by March 2027. The proposed improvements cover infrastructure and logistical facilities intended to enhance the centres’ ability to serve farmers.
Chouhan stressed the need for active cooperation from state governments and timely institutional support to complete the work within the stipulated deadline.The Department of Agricultural Research and Education has been engaging with states and Union Territories to facilitate financial and institutional support. Several states have already begun implementing their plans through agricultural universities, with Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh having submitted Detailed Project Reports.
The meeting also reviewed plans to establish Incubation-cum-Skill Centres at all KVKs by December 2028. These centres are expected to connect agricultural institutions with agri-businesses, technology partners and district-specific economic opportunities.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening skill development and encouraging farmers and rural communities to explore agriculture-based enterprises and value-added activities.
Focus on KVK manpower
The government also reviewed measures concerning KVK personnel, including proposals related to salaries, allowances and promotions. These proposals have received approval from the Department of Expenditure, according to the release.
State governments were encouraged to play their role in providing NPS contributions and retirement benefits to KVK employees. They were also urged to fill vacant positions promptly to ensure that the centres have sufficient manpower to conduct their mandated activities.
Timely funding for farm programmes
The meeting stressed the importance of releasing funds on time, particularly for seasonal agricultural programmes where delays can affect field activities.
Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstration programme for pulses and oilseeds during 2026-27, activities are being carried out through 353 KVKs or districts across 24 states. The programme has a target coverage of 12,349 hectares, with 9,750 hectares already covered, according to the government.
States were asked to facilitate the timely flow of funds to relevant agricultural research institutes and KVKs, ensure availability of recommended quality seeds and crop varieties, and improve coordination during field demonstrations.
Support for district-level agricultural plans
The role of KVKs in implementing the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana was also discussed.States were asked to provide adequate financial support to KVKs for carrying out activities under the scheme and implementing district-specific agricultural plans.
The meeting further emphasised systematic monitoring and reporting of KVK activities, along with uploading programme outcomes on designated portals for assessment.Chouhan said stronger coordination between the Centre and states, adequate funding, modern facilities, sufficient manpower and effective district-level planning would be essential for transforming KVKs.
The government said stronger KVKs would help take scientific knowledge, modern farming technologies, improved crop varieties, skills and entrepreneurship opportunities closer to farming communities.
The initiative is ultimately aimed at making KVKs more effective platforms for agricultural technology dissemination, skill development, innovation and rural enterprise, contributing to a stronger and more sustainable farm economy.
