Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reviews KVK Upgrade Plan, Sets 2027 Infrastructure Target

New Delhi- Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reviewed the government’s roadmap to strengthen Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), with greater involvement of State Governments being placed at the centre of the implementation strategy.

The review meeting, held in New Delhi, examined the progress of initiatives recommended at the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference 2025 and assessed steps required to speed up their implementation. Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat, along with senior ministry officials, attended the meeting.

A key target discussed during the meeting is the modernisation of infrastructure and logistics at 300 priority KVKs by March 2027.

Chouhan called for closer coordination between the Centre and States to ensure that the deadline is met. The Department of Agricultural Research and Education has already reached out to Chief Secretaries across States and Union Territories to secure financial and institutional support.

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have received Detailed Project Reports from universities and KVKs, while work on proposals and implementation is progressing in other States.

The government is also working towards setting up Incubation-cum-Skill Centres in every KVK by December 2028.

Under the initiative, individual KVKs are being connected with agriculture-based businesses, technical institutions and opportunities specific to their districts. Plans are being prepared for each centre and will subsequently be placed before States and Union Territories for funding and implementation.

The move is aimed at expanding opportunities in agricultural innovation, skill development and rural entrepreneurship.

The meeting also examined proposed changes concerning KVK employees, including their pay, allowances and promotion-related matters. These reforms have received approval from the Department of Expenditure.

The Centre also stressed the importance of States fulfilling applicable NPS contributions and retirement-related benefits for KVK personnel. States were urged to fill vacant positions promptly so that KVKs have sufficient staff to carry out their agricultural extension and training activities.

Officials also discussed delays in fund releases, particularly for programmes that depend on specific agricultural seasons.

Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLD) programme for pulses and oilseeds for 2026–27, activities are being carried out through 353 KVKs/districts across 24 States, covering a planned area of 12,349 hectares. So far, demonstrations have been conducted over 9,750 hectares.

States were asked to ensure smooth fund transfers to ATARI and KVK levels, timely availability of quality seeds and improved varieties, and better coordination during implementation.

The role of KVKs under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY) also featured in the review.

States have been asked to provide sufficient resources for KVK activities and district-specific plans under the scheme. The government also wants KVK-level interventions to be regularly recorded on the designated portal to improve monitoring and assessment.

Chouhan stressed that stronger coordination between the Union and State Governments will be essential for transforming KVKs into more effective institutions serving farmers.

The government’s broader objective is to equip KVKs with modern infrastructure, skilled manpower and stronger institutional support so they can take scientific farming practices, new technologies, improved crop varieties, training and entrepreneurship opportunities closer to rural communities.

The review underlined the need for States and Union Territories to accelerate the agreed measures and strengthen collaboration with the Centre and other stakeholders.