Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a meeting to review the Action Plan for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through enhanced State participation. The meeting focused on implementing key recommendations from the 5th Chief Secretaries' Conference 2025, with Union Minister of State Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and senior ministry officials in attendance.
The review centered on infrastructure upgradation of 300 prioritized KVKs by March 2027, with emphasis on State Governments providing timely support. The Secretary, DARE has engaged with Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to mobilize financial and institutional support. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have received Detailed Project Reports from Universities/KVKs, while other States are at various preparation and implementation stages.
Another key action point involves establishing Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in all KVKs by December 2028. KVKs are being mapped with agro-based enterprises, technical partner institutions and district-specific agricultural opportunities, with KVK-wise incubation plans being developed for submission to States and Union Territories for funding and implementation support.
The meeting discussed personnel reforms for KVK staff, with proposed reforms relating to pay, allowances and promotion receiving approval from the Department of Expenditure. States were urged to provide NPS contributions and retirement benefits for KVK staff as applicable, and undertake timely recruitment against vacancies to ensure adequate manpower for effective KVK functioning.
Funding mechanisms were reviewed, with emphasis on timely release of funds particularly for seasonal agricultural programmes. Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on Pulses and Oilseeds programme for 2026–27, activities are being implemented across 24 States through 353 KVKs/districts targeting 12,349 hectares, with 9,750 hectares already achieved. States were requested to facilitate smooth fund flow to ATARI and KVK levels, ensure timely availability of quality seeds, and strengthen coordination during planning and execution.
KVKs' role in supporting Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY) was highlighted, with States requested to provide adequate funding for mandated activities and district-specific action plans. The Minister emphasized that KVK activities at district level, beyond capacity-building programmes, should be captured and uploaded on designated portals for comprehensive monitoring and outcome assessment.
Shri Chouhan stressed that KVK transformation requires strong Centre-State convergence, timely financial support, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower and effective implementation of district-specific plans. Strengthened KVKs are expected to deliver scientific knowledge, modern agricultural technologies, improved varieties, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities to farmers and rural communities, contributing to agricultural sector development.