Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan today chaired a meeting in New Delhi to review the Action Plan for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through enhanced participation of States. Discussions focused on the action point of upgrading the infrastructure and logistics of 300 prioritized KVKs by March 2027. During the meeting, Mr Chouhan emphasized the need for active participation and timely support from State Governments to achieve the target within the stipulated time frame. The Minister emphasized that the transformation of KVKs requires strong Centre-State convergence, timely financial support, modern infrastructure, adequate manpower and effective implementation of district-specific action plans. He stressed the importance of ensuring that KVKs are equipped with the necessary infrastructure, human resources and institutional support to effectively serve the farming community and respond to emerging challenges in agriculture.
The deliberations underscored the need for States and Union Territories to strengthen convergence with the Centre and other stakeholders so that KVKs emerge as effective platforms for agricultural technology dissemination, skill development, innovation and rural entrepreneurship. States were urged to undertake timely recruitment against vacancies to ensure adequate manpower for the effective functioning of KVKs and delivery of their mandated activities. The discussion also covered the action point of establishing 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.
The meeting also highlighted the role of KVKs in supporting the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY). States were requested to provide adequate funding support to KVKs for implementing their mandated activities as well as district-specific action plans under PM DDKY.
