Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a meeting in New Delhi to review the Action Plan for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through enhanced participation of States. The meeting focused on implementing key recommendations from the 5th Chief Secretaries' Conference 2025 concerning KVKs.
Discussions centered on upgrading infrastructure and logistics of 300 prioritized KVKs by March 2027, with emphasis on active participation and timely support from State Governments. The Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (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 stages of preparation.
The action plan includes establishing Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in all KVKs by December 2028, with KVKs 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 for funding and implementation support.
Personnel reforms were discussed, including approved proposals relating to pay, allowances and promotion of KVK staff from the Department of Expenditure. States were urged to provide NPS contributions and retirement benefits for KVK staff and undertake timely recruitment against vacancies.
The meeting addressed funding issues, particularly for seasonal agricultural programmes, to ensure activities are implemented within appropriate agricultural windows. 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. Activities undertaken by KVKs at district level, beyond capacity-building programmes, must be captured and uploaded on the designated portal for comprehensive monitoring and assessment.
Shri Chouhan emphasized that KVK transformation requires strong Centre-State convergence, timely financial support, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower and effective implementation of district-specific action plans to effectively serve the farming community and respond to emerging agricultural challenges.