Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reviewed an action plan to strengthen Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through greater participation of State Governments, setting a target to upgrade the infrastructure and logistics of 300 priority KVKs by March 2027.
Chouhan chaired a meeting in New Delhi to review the implementation of recommendations related to KVKs emerging from the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference 2025. Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat and senior officials attended the meeting.
The Minister stressed the need for active State participation and timely financial and institutional support to complete the upgradation of the 300 identified KVKs within the stipulated deadline. DARE has engaged with Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories to mobilise support.
Several States have already moved ahead with the process through State Agricultural Universities. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have received Detailed Project Reports from universities and KVKs, while other States are at different stages of preparation and implementation.
Another major target reviewed at the meeting is the establishment of 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. Individual incubation plans are being prepared for submission to States and UTs for funding and implementation.
The meeting also reviewed reforms concerning KVK personnel. Proposed changes related to pay, allowances and promotions of KVK staff have received approval from the Department of Expenditure. States were urged to provide NPS contributions and retirement benefits, wherever applicable, and undertake timely recruitment against vacancies.
Timely release of funds was also highlighted, particularly for seasonal agricultural programmes. Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations programme on pulses and oilseeds for 2026-27, activities are being implemented across 24 States through 353 KVKs/districts, covering a target area of 12,349 hectares. So far, 9,750 hectares have been covered.
States were asked to ensure smooth fund flow to ATARI and KVK levels, timely availability of quality seeds and recommended varieties, and better coordination in implementing demonstrations.
KVKs will also support the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY) by implementing district-specific agricultural action plans. The government stressed that activities and outcomes should be regularly uploaded on the designated portal for monitoring and assessment.
Chouhan said stronger KVKs require Centre-State convergence, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower and timely financial support. The strengthened network is expected to bring scientific knowledge, modern technologies, improved varieties, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities closer to farmers and rural communities.