The government has approved a plan to upgrade the infrastructure and logistics of 300 prioritised Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), with the work targeted for completion by March 2027. The approval by Finance Ministry follows Agriculture Ministry’s proposal and is aimed at making KVKs better equipped to support farmers through technology dissemination, skill development, innovation and rural entrepreneurship.
The revamp will require close Centre–State coordination, timely funding, adequate staffing and effective district-level implementation.
Staffing and Pay Reforms
Department of Expenditure has approved changes relating to pay, allowances and promotion pathways for KVK employees.
States have also been asked to:
- Fill vacant KVK posts quickly to address manpower shortages.
- Fund NPS contributions and retirement benefits of KVK personnel.
- Provide timely financial and institutional support for the infrastructure upgrade.
Secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) has contacted Chief Secretaries of States and UTs to ensure coordination.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh have already submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) prepared through their State Agricultural Universities and KVKs, while other States are still preparing their plans.
Incubation-cum-Skill Centres
The government also plans to establish Incubation-cum-Skill Centres across all KVKs by December 2028. KVK-wise incubation plans are being prepared and will be submitted to States for funding.
Each centre will be linked with:
- Local agro-based enterprises
- Technical institutions
- District-specific opportunities
Focus on Timely Funding
The government also stressed that funds must reach KVKs on time, particularly for seasonal agricultural programmes, so that activities are completed within the appropriate farming window.
Under the Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on Pulses and Oilseeds for 2026–27:
- Activities are being conducted across 24 States.
- 353 KVKs and districts are involved.
- Targeted coverage: 12,349 hectares.
- Already covered: 9,750 hectares.
States have been urged to ensure smooth fund flow to ATARI and KVK levels, timely availability of quality seeds to farmers, and better coordination during planning and implementation of demonstrations.
What is Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
A Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is a district-level agricultural knowledge and technology support centre that helps farmers adopt improved farming practices and technologies.
KVKs work closely with farmers through training, demonstrations, technology transfer and agricultural extension activities. They act as a link between agricultural research institutions and the farming community, helping convert scientific knowledge into practical solutions for local farming conditions.