In India building farmers’ skills has become a crucial component for PM Modi-led Central Government, as nearly two-thirds of the population lives in rural areas and around half make their living from the agriculture. Nowadays, farmers have not to deal with just obtaining loans or seeds; rather they also have to manage changing weather patterns, maintain fertile soil, operate machinery efficiently, and come up with innovative ways to market their products. The Modi government has prioritized training for rural development, launching multiple initiatives over the past decade to provide farmers with new tools, job skills, and practical knowledge. Essentially, such moves could bring a see change in the life farmers, enabling them go from mere growers to planners, thinkers, and significant participants in the entire agricultural supply chain.
This work is led by important organizations such as the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). These district-level centers were established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to connect laboratory results with actual fieldwork. They provide direct instruction, performances, and classes that are appropriate for the climate and soil types in the area. KVKs reached 58.02 lakh farmers between 2021 and 2024, according to data, with the number increasing annually: 16.91 lakh in 2021–2022; 19.53 lakh in 2022–2023; and 21.56 lakh in 2023–2024. An additional 18.56 lakh people had joined sessions by February 2025. This consistent increase demonstrates how the Krishi Vigyan Kendras teach farmers about caring for crops, maintaining land, raising animals, and other related tasks, integrating science into farming practices for increased productivity and long-term resilience.
The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) also assists states in strengthening their advisory networks. ATMA, which is part of the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension and is run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, promotes local, farmer-focused approaches to disseminate innovative farming practices and beneficial habits in crops and related fields. It makes use of resources such as farm fairs, field trials, field trips, and group lessons. It covered 32.38 lakh farmers in 2021–2022, 40.11 lakh the following year, and 36.60 lakh in 2023–2024. About 18.30 lakh more participated up until January 30, 2025, increasing the total number of participants from 2021 to 2025 to approximately 1.27 crore. This extensive reach demonstrates ATMA’s role in modernizing state systems to directly address the needs of farmers.
Young people in villages are also the focus of efforts to prepare them for new opportunities on farms. Significantly, seven-day courses on practical skills in fields like fish farming, livestock, milk production, and fruit growing are offered by the Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY). It aims to increase employment, self-work, and the formation of skilled groups in rural areas for people aged 18 and up, including women. Since joining the Agricultural Technology Management Agency, it has expanded, reaching 10,456 youth in 2021–2022, 11,634 in 2022–2023, and 20,940 in 2023–2024, for a total of over 43,000 by 2024. 8,761 more joined by the end of 2024. This encouragement helps produce a new generation of capable farmers who can launch businesses and increase local incomes.
Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) assists smallholders in low-power areas to promote the use of machines. It supports tool rental services, organizes performances, develops talent, and inspects quality at test locations. As many as 57,139 farmers received training between 2021 and 2025, according to official records. This reduces expenses and speeds up work, enabling farmers to take on larger projects without investing in expensive equipment.
The Soil Health Card plan informs decisions about crops and fertilizers for soil and assets. Over 25.17 crore cards had been distributed by July 24, 2025, and 6.8 lakh trials and 93,000 lessons had been conducted. Better land quality, consistent yield increases, and even nutrient use have resulted from this. With 10,000 members, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) provide online seminars and training on market connections, business operations, and platforms such as e-NAM. From 2022 to 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0) prioritizes farming and offers short-term or prior learning checks training through designated centers and hubs. It has trained 1.64 crore people between 2015 and June 30, 2025, of whom 1.29 crore have been cleared.
Such initiatives taken by the PM Modi government reflect positive results. Farmers become business leaders. Notably, 2,800 agtech companies in India are said to assist small holders by providing them with tools such as apps for direct sales, which eliminate the need for middlemen. Businesses like Ninjacart, which was founded in 2015, connect growers with retailers, increasing revenue and market penetration. According to World Bank data, tech education in farm schools gives aspiring leaders contemporary skills that promote development. This is fueled by Skill India, as evidenced by instances where skilled farmers create cooperatives or use digital tools to negotiate better prices, leading to advancement and jobs in the villages.
All in all, skill development is now deeply ingrained in India’s farming culture. From the fundamentals of KVK and ATMA to targeted work in PMKVY, and other areas, farmers acquire the skills they need to advance their practices and assume business roles. In line with the objectives and mission of becoming a Viksit Bharat, this not only increases yields and pay but also strengthens rural bases and brings smiles on village people.
