Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to launch a unique Agristack ID for farmers to create a digital identity for them and make it easy for them to access government schemes and benefits.
Official sources said that the state government has started the process of registering farmers to create individual Agristack IDs, similar to Aadhaar.
This digital identity card will link demographic data and land records to streamline access to agricultural subsidies, crop insurance, and institutional credit. Registration is open through August 31.
While the registration is currently being carried out through cooperative societies across the state, steps are being taken to ensure that the farmers who are unable to visit the cooperative societies for any reason are not left out.
Government officials will visit such farmers at their houses or other convenient locations for carrying out the registration process. Officials from the Agriculture, Revenue and Cooperation departments will work together to ensure that the registration process is completed smoothly.
A high-level inter-ministerial meeting was held on Sunday to discuss ways to simplify and streamline the process. Ministers and senior officials from the Agriculture, Cooperation, Revenue and Supply departments attended the meeting.
After an Agristack ID is generated, farmers will be provided with a unique identity card containing their agricultural details.
The government has also made provisions for farmers living abroad. Such farmers will be able to complete their registration through video conferencing. They will also be able to complete the eye-scan process remotely as part of the registration.
According to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, farmers would not face difficulties in completing the registration process. He also said that the registration deadline could be extended if necessary.
Officials clarified it is not mandatory for paddy procurement.
