Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday called upon the Soil Conservation Extension Workers to help farmers use improved farm practices and new technology for sustainable growth of agriculture in the state.
Addressing the induction programme of 184 Soil Conservation Extension Workers, who joined the service on the day, the chief minister said taking farmers in their area of service as a team, providing quick support with use of technology and maintaining absolute transparency can bring transformation at the grassroots and make way for improved farming practices.
“You are the key personnel at the cutting edge level and act as facilitators between farmers and the department for successful implementation of different soil conservation and watershed activities,” he said.
Focusing on State’s policy for farm sector, Naveen said, “Odisha is an agrarian state and more than 70% of its population depend on agriculture. State Agricultural Policy- SAMRUDHI-2020 emphasises on ensuring continuous growth in farmers’ income and making the growth inclusive for small, marginal and landless farmers. For sustaining agricultural growth, conservation, development and management of vital natural resources like land and water hold significance.”
Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain asked the new employees to work for the benefit of the farmers. Stating that the government is taking up various projects for farmers’ development, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra advised the new recruits to work with honesty and sincerity for the success of the programmes.
Principal Secretary Arabind Padhi and Director Soil Conservation were present at the programme which was moderated by Secretary to chief minister (5T) VK Pandian.
