In a major boost to Odisha’s agricultural sector, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) today signed two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at modernising farming practices, strengthening value chains, and taking digital advisory services to the last mile.
The first MoU, inked with Heifer International, will focus on value-chain development of high-value crops — ginger, turmeric, and millets (Shree Anna). The partnership seeks to increase farmer incomes through better market linkages, improved processing, and agricultural modernisation in tribal and remote areas.
The second MoU was signed among DAFE, the Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, and Bhubaneswar-based M/s Tatwa Technologies Ltd for the continued operation, management, and scaling-up of the hugely successful “Krushi Samrudhi Helpline” — Odisha’s toll-free, mobile-based digital agriculture extension platform. The helpline already serves over 80 lakh farmers, delivering real-time crop, weather, livestock, and fishery advisories in local languages.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said, “These two MoUs will help us reach the unreached and ensure government assistance reaches farmers exactly when they need it most.”
Minister for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME Shri Gokulananda Mallik praised the Krushi Samrudhi platform, highlighting how real-time livestock advisories have already made a tangible difference for rearers across the state.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, revealed impressive statistics: since inception, the platform has delivered over 95 crore crop advisories, 40 crore livestock advisories, 5.3 crore fishery advisories, and 26 crore weather & scheme-related messages.
The signing ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary (FARD) Shri Suresh Kumar Vashishth, directors of various line departments, senior officials, and representatives from Heifer International and Tatwa Technologies.
With these initiatives, Odisha is positioning itself as a leader in technology-driven, inclusive agricultural growth.
