India Expands Agri-Education Network and Farmer Training to Boost Productivity and Rural Skills
SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 4: Quality Education
Institutions: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare | Indian Council of Agricultural Research
India is strengthening its agricultural education and extension system to build a modern, skilled farming workforce and support the ambition of 5% agricultural growth. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) outlined strategic reforms to expand teaching, research, and on-field training aligned with the vision of “Viksit Krishi, Samruddh Kisan” and the principle of “One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team.”
Building a nationwide agri-learning ecosystem
To create a pipeline of farm technologists, innovators, and agripreneurs, ICAR now operates:
74 Agricultural Universities with degree-level programmes
113 ICAR research institutes working on crop, livestock, fisheries & climate innovations
731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) delivering field-level demonstrations and advisory support
Private agriculture colleges expanded from 5 (2020-21) to 22 (2024-25), widening access beyond public campuses
Expanding farmer & rural youth skilling
Multiple schemes are improving field capabilities and rural employability through practical training, technology demonstrations, and entrepreneurship support. For instance, the ATMA scheme trained over 1.27 crore farmers between 2021-25, alongside dedicated programmes such as STRY, SMAM, and PMKVY.
Integrating modern technology & research
Agriculture education and research centres are adopting AI, IoT, precision farming, digital modules, and industry collaboration to prepare students and farmers for smart, climate-resilient, data-driven agriculture.
The initiative supports National Food Security goals, National Education Policy, and rural livelihoods through a modern, technology-enabled agriculture workforce. It reinforces India’s long-term shift toward higher farm productivity, resilient ecosystems, and farmer-centred growth through education, extension, and innovation.
What are Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)? → KVKs are district-level farm science centres that provide hands-on training, demonstrations, and advisory support tailored to local crops and agro-climatic conditions, helping farmers adopt new technologies effectively.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India ensure that stronger agricultural education and rural skilling translate into measurable on-farm productivity gains and income improvements, particularly for smallholder farmers?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2186124