In a significant move to bridge the gap between policy and practice, the Odisha Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment has mandated regular field visits for its officers to ensure the effective implementation of agricultural schemes.
Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee issued a notification on August 20, 2025, emphasising the need for a hands-on approach to address farmers’ challenges and make schemes more people-oriented.
The directive requires senior officials, including Directors, Additional Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, and scheme officers, to visit fields across various districts and blocks. These visits aim to provide a firsthand assessment of ground-level challenges faced by farmers and frontline agricultural workers. Officers are tasked with reviewing the execution of schemes and submitting concise reports to the Principal Secretary within a week of each visit.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, Heads of Directorates have been instructed to prepare monthly tour calendars, prioritising aspirational blocks and vulnerable areas. This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to fostering direct coordination between farmers and officials, ensuring that agricultural programs are tailored to the needs of those at the grassroots level.
“This is a pivotal step toward making our schemes truly farmer-centric,” said Dr. Padhee. “By engaging directly with farmers, our officers can identify bottlenecks and deliver solutions that make a real difference.”
As Odisha continues to prioritise agricultural development, this initiative underscores the state’s commitment to empowering its farming community and driving sustainable growth at the grassroots level.
