Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to the farm sector, the Odisha government on Tuesday signed two important Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).
Officials said the MoUs were signed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) with an aim to advance agricultural projects and promote digital transformation in the farm sector in the state.
One MoU was signed between the department and Heifer International to support the value chain development of ginger, turmeric, & millets in the state.
This initiative focuses on enhancing farmer income and value chain development for ginger, turmeric, & millets (Shree Anna) producers in Odisha, fostering agricultural modernisation and market linkages.
The second MoU was executed with M/s Tatwa Technologies Ltd. for operation, management & maintenance of Odisha’s digital mobile based extension service, Krushi Samrudhi Helpline. This MoU will help in the implementation of mobile-based digital Agri-service platform available at grassroot level. The project aims to create an open, farmer-centric value chain extension system, improving agricultural operations and outreach through digital innovation, real time basis crop, weather advisories.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, FARD & MSME Minister, Gokulananda Mallik highlighting the state government’s commitment to agricultural progress and technological adoption for the benefit of farmers.
Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo, said these two MoUs will help us to reach the unreached and provide government assistance during their need. FARD Minister Mallik highlighted how the real-time livestock advisories helped the farmers & rearers.
Principal Secretary of the department Arabinda Kumar Padhee said Krushi Samrudhi Helpline program is a toll-free phone based advisory service by the government of Odisha. Currently, the platform has 80+ lakh farmers on board and providing advisories on 70 crop types, 11 Livestock types & 3 fisheries practices.
