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Chouhan reviews action plan to strengthen KVKs
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Friday, 11 September, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a meeting in New Delhi to review the action plan for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through greater participation of State Governments.
The meeting focused on implementing key recommendations related to KVKs emerging from the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference 2025 and accelerating progress on the agreed action points. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Dr Mangi Lal Jat, along with senior ministry officials, attended the meeting.
A key focus was the upgradation of infrastructure and logistics at 300 prioritised KVKs by March 2027. Chouhan stressed the need for active participation and timely support from State Governments to meet the target. The DARE Secretary has engaged with Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories to mobilise financial and institutional support. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have already received Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) from State Agricultural Universities and KVKs, while other States are at different stages of preparation and implementation.
The meeting also reviewed plans to establish 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 prepared for submission to States and Union Territories for funding and implementation support.
Personnel-related reforms were also discussed. Proposed reforms concerning the pay, allowances and promotion of KVK staff have received approval from the Department of Expenditure. The meeting also highlighted the role of State Governments in providing NPS contributions and retirement benefits to KVK personnel, wherever applicable. States were urged to expedite recruitment against vacancies to ensure adequate manpower for KVK operations.
The Minister also stressed the importance of timely release of funds, particularly for seasonal agricultural programmes. Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLD) programme on pulses and oilseeds for 2026–27, activities are being implemented across 24 States through 353 KVKs/districts, covering a targeted area of 12,349 hectares. So far, 9,750 hectares have been covered.
Issues concerning fund-flow mapping and delays in fund releases in some States were reviewed. States were asked to facilitate the timely flow of funds to Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs) and KVKs, ensure the availability of quality seeds and recommended varieties, and strengthen coordination during the planning and implementation of demonstrations.
The review also highlighted the role of KVKs in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY). States were requested to provide adequate financial support to KVKs for their mandated activities as well as district-specific action plans under the scheme. KVK activities undertaken at the district level, including capacity-building initiatives, are also to be uploaded on the designated portal for effective monitoring and assessment.
Chouhan emphasised that transforming KVKs will require strong Centre-State convergence, timely financial support, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower and effective implementation of district-specific action plans.
He said strengthened KVKs would play an important role in bringing scientific knowledge, modern agricultural technologies, improved crop varieties, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities closer to farmers and rural communities.
The meeting underscored the need for States and Union Territories to accelerate implementation of the agreed measures and strengthen coordination with the Centre and other stakeholders, enabling KVKs to function as effective platforms for agricultural technology dissemination, skill development, innovation and rural entrepreneurship.
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