The Central Government is stepping up efforts to strengthen Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country, with plans to improve infrastructure, develop skill and incubation centres and bring modern agricultural technologies closer to farmers.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently chaired a meeting in New Delhi to review the action plan for strengthening KVKs with greater participation from State Governments.
One of the major priorities is to upgrade infrastructure and logistics at 300 selected KVKs by March 2027. Chouhan stressed that State Governments will need to provide timely financial and institutional support to achieve this target.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have already received Detailed Project Reports from State Agricultural Universities and KVKs, while other States are at different stages of planning and implementation.
Another important initiative is the establishment of Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in all KVKs by December 2028. These centres are expected to connect agriculture with skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
For this purpose, KVKs are being mapped with agro-based businesses, technical institutions and agricultural opportunities available in individual districts. Separate incubation plans are also being prepared for KVKs and will be submitted to States and Union Territories for funding and implementation.
The government is also looking at manpower issues within KVKs. Reforms related to pay, allowances and promotions of KVK employees have received approval from the Department of Expenditure. States have also been asked to speed up recruitment against vacant positions so that KVKs have enough staff to carry out their programmes effectively.
Timely release of funds was another important issue discussed during the meeting, particularly because many agricultural programmes depend on crop seasons and cannot afford long delays.
Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations programme for pulses and oilseeds for 2026–27, activities are being carried out across 24 States through 353 KVKs and districts. The programme has a target of covering 12,349 hectares, of which around 9,750 hectares have already been covered.
States have been asked to ensure timely fund flow, availability of quality seeds and recommended crop varieties, and better coordination while planning and carrying out field demonstrations.
KVKs will also have an important role in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. State Governments have been asked to provide adequate financial support for KVK activities and district-specific action plans under the scheme.
Chouhan said stronger KVKs can help take scientific knowledge, improved crop varieties, modern farming technologies, skills and entrepreneurship opportunities directly to farmers and rural communities.
The overall plan is to transform KVKs into stronger district-level platforms for agricultural technology, training, innovation and rural entrepreneurship, supported jointly by the Centre and State Governments.