Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo flagged off the Land Resource Inventory (LRI) Van at Krushi Bhavan today.
The initiative, launched under the REWARD pilot project, will cover Gram Panchayats across five districts — Nayagarh, Koraput, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, and Deogarh — through a month-long LRI Yatra.
The programme will reach 79 Gram Panchayats, including 8 in Deogarh, 14 in Dhenkanal, 16 in Koraput, 19 in Nayagarh, and 22 in Sambalpur. Moreover, specially designated LRI Raths will travel across these areas to spread awareness among farmers about Land Resource Inventory and scientific watershed management.
While addressing the gathering, the Deputy CM explained that the LRI Cards, prepared using the database generated through the inventory, will help farmers understand land suitability, appropriate crops, soil-related issues, and recommended treatments. Furthermore, he noted that the cards will provide knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of land, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on crop selection, fertiliser use, soil conservation, and water management practices.
The programme will also feature Bhoomi Pujan for new micro-watershed works, LRI Mahotsav, Shramadan activities, Pani Ki Pathshala, and the inauguration of completed projects. In addition, officials will felicitate farmers who have already benefited from LRI Cards. Moreover, quiz competitions at the Panchayat level will educate schoolchildren on soil conservation and watershed management.
Agriculture Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee emphasised that effective use of LRI Cards will enhance crop productivity, support soil and water conservation, and contribute significantly to the overall development of watershed areas. In addition, the movement of LRI Raths will be monitored through the MIS mobile application to ensure efficiency.
Director of Soil Conservation & Watershed Management Subrat Kumar Panda, along with senior officers from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, also attended the event.
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