Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today chaired a meeting in New Delhi to review the Action Plan for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through enhanced participation of States. The deliberations focused on the implementation of key recommendations concerning KVKs emerging from the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference 2025, and on measures to accelerate their implementation. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and senior officials of the Ministry were present.

Discussions focused on the action point of upgrading the infrastructure and logistics of 300 prioritized KVKs by March 2027. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for active participation and timely support from State Governments to achieve the target within the stipulated timeframe. The Secretary, DARE, has engaged with the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to mobilize financial and institutional support for the upgradation of prioritized KVKs. Several States have initiated the process through their respective State Agricultural Universities. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have received Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) from Universities/KVKs, while other States are at various stages of preparation and implementation.

Also covered the action point of establishing Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in all KVKs by December 2028. Under the initiative, KVKs are being mapped with agro-based enterprises, technical partner institutions and district-specific agricultural opportunities. KVK-wise incubation plans are being developed for submission to States and Union Territories for funding and implementation support.

Further detailed discussions on reforms concerning KVK personnel. The proposed reforms relating to pay, allowances and promotion of KVK staff have received approval from the Department of Expenditure (DoE). The role of State Governments in providing NPS contributions and retirement benefits for KVK staff, as applicable, was also emphasized. States were urged to undertake timely recruitment against vacancies to ensure adequate manpower for the effective functioning of KVKs and delivery of their mandated activities.

Attention was also drawn to the importance of ensuring timely release of funds to KVKs, particularly for seasonal agricultural programmes, so that planned activities are implemented within the appropriate agricultural window. 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, with a target area of 12,349 hectares. An area of 9,750 hectares, has already been achieved. Issues relating to fund-flow mapping and delays in the release of funds in some States were discussed. States were requested to facilitate the smooth and timely flow of funds up to ATARI and KVK levels, ensure timely availability of recommended quality seeds and varieties, and strengthen coordination during the planning and execution of demonstrations.

Review also highlighted the role of KVKs in supporting the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY). States were requested to provide adequate funding support to KVKs for implementing their mandated activities as well as district-specific action plans under PM DDKY. It was further emphasized that activities undertaken by KVKs at the district level, in addition to capacity-building programmes, should be captured and uploaded on the designated portal to facilitate comprehensive monitoring, reporting and assessment of outcomes.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the transformation of KVKs requires strong Centre-State convergence, timely financial support, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower and effective implementation of district-specific action plans. He stressed the importance of ensuring that KVKs are equipped with the necessary infrastructure, human resources and institutional support to effectively serve the farming community and respond to emerging challenges in agriculture.

Strengthened KVKs will play a crucial role in taking scientific knowledge, modern agricultural technologies, improved varieties, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities closer to farmers and rural communities. The deliberations underscored the need for States and Union Territories to accelerate implementation of the agreed action points and strengthen convergence with the Centre and other stakeholders so that KVKs emerge as effective platforms for agricultural technology dissemination, skill development, innovation and rural entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to a developed and prosperous agricultural sector.

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