Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a high-level meeting at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, to discuss strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and empowerment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across India. Senior officials, including Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi and ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, participated in the meeting.
Shri Chouhan highlighted that there are currently 731 KVKs nationwide, which serve as the primary link between agricultural research institutions and farmers. He emphasised that while expanding the KVK network is important, it is equally essential to strengthen existing centres to ensure they effectively support small and marginal farmers.
The Union Minister stressed that KVKs play a critical role in disseminating technology, conducting farmer training programs, and promoting agricultural innovations. He directed that KVKs should actively facilitate the implementation of government schemes and farmer-centric policies, while also developing model initiatives in integrated farming and natural agriculture.
During the meeting, Shri Chouhan provided detailed instructions regarding financial, technical, and human resource support for KVKs. He emphasised the importance of ensuring fair promotions, academic parity, salaries, allowances, retirement age, and post-retirement benefits for KVK scientists and staff. Officials were instructed to coordinate with state governments, NITI Aayog, and the Ministry of Finance to implement uniform policies across all KVKs.
Shri Chouhan also highlighted the need for standardisation across KVKs in training programs, research extension activities, and the promotion of agricultural entrepreneurship. By strengthening these centres, he noted, KVKs can better serve farmers, ensuring that innovations and best practices reach every corner of the country.
“The primary objective is to empower KVKs to benefit small farmers and make agricultural development more inclusive and effective,” Shri Chouhan said. The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and outreach of KVKs, which are central to improving productivity, sustainability, and income for India’s farming community.
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