Shivraj Chouhan Reviews KVK Strengthening Plan
Centre targets upgrade of 300 KVKs by March 2027 and skill centres across all KVKs by December 2028
- States urged to support upgradation of 300 priority KVKs
- Incubation-cum-Skill Centres planned in all KVKs by December 2028
- KVK staff reforms on pay, allowances and promotions approved by DoE
- 9,750 hectares covered under 2026–27 pulse and oilseed demonstrations
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Sept: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday chaired a meeting to review the action plan for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through greater participation of State Governments.
The meeting focused on implementing recommendations related to KVKs emerging from the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference 2025. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Mangi Lal Jat and senior officials attended the meeting.
Discussions focused on upgrading infrastructure and logistics at 300 priority KVKs by March 2027. Chouhan stressed the need for active participation and timely support from States to meet the target.
The Department of Agricultural Research and Education has engaged with Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories to mobilise financial and institutional support. 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.
The meeting also reviewed the plan to establish Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in all KVKs by December 2028. KVKs are being mapped with agro-based enterprises, technical institutions and district-specific agricultural opportunities, with KVK-wise incubation plans being prepared for implementation with State and UT support.
The meeting discussed reforms concerning KVK personnel, including pay, allowances and promotions, which have received approval from the Department of Expenditure. States were also urged to ensure timely recruitment against vacancies and provide applicable NPS contributions and retirement benefits.
Officials reviewed the implementation of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on Pulses and Oilseeds for 2026–27 across 24 States through 353 KVKs and districts. Against a target of 12,349 hectares, 9,750 hectares have already been covered.
The Minister also reviewed the role of KVKs in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. States were asked to provide adequate funding and ensure that district-level activities and outcomes are uploaded on the designated portal for monitoring and assessment.
Chouhan stressed that strengthening KVKs requires Centre-State convergence, timely funding, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower and effective district-specific action plans. He said strengthened KVKs would help take scientific knowledge, modern technologies, improved varieties, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities closer to farmers and rural communities.
