In a major win for Odisha’s push towards modernising its agricultural sector, the Government of India has approved incentives totalling Rs 155.48 crore under the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme.
This funding recognises the state’s successful completion of key milestones in the AgriStack initiative, a flagship Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture.
Specifically, Odisha will receive Rs 100 crore for the effective implementation of the Digital Crop Survey (DCS) and Rs 55.48 crore for achieving the first milestone in the Farmers’ Registry (FR).
The approval underscores Odisha’s commitment to national standards, timely coverage targets, and large-scale execution of digital reforms aimed at empowering farmers through data-driven solutions. AgriStack, comprising FR and DCS, forms the foundation for precise scheme delivery, addressing critical questions like farmer identity, land location, and crop details.
The Farmers’ Registry creates a verified database of farmers, facilitating accurate targeting for programs such as PM-KISAN, CM Kisan, and crop insurance. Meanwhile, the Digital Crop Survey provides geo-referenced, plot-specific crop information, enabling realistic production estimates, procurement planning, and tailored farmer support.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, hailed the achievement as a “proud moment” that aligns with Odisha’s vision for transparent and efficient agriculture. “This milestone reflects our dedication to making farming more prosperous and sustainable,” he said, congratulating the Agriculture Department team, technical experts, and farmers across the state. He urged stakeholders to harness these tools to drive growth in Odisha’s agrarian economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, described the incentives as a game-changer for data-driven farming. “Odisha is set to revolutionise agriculture with enhanced transparency and efficiency,” Dr Padhee stated. He emphasised the shift from estimate-based planning to evidence-based decisions at the plot level, impacting production, procurement, and markets. Looking ahead, he highlighted potential integrations with weather, soil, pest, and price data for advanced predictive analytics, including production forecasts, advisories, pest alerts, and market trends.
This development positions Odisha as a frontrunner in India’s digital agriculture landscape, where technology meets traditional farming to boost livelihoods and sustainability.
With agriculture central to the state’s economy, these incentives are expected to accelerate reforms, ensuring benefits reach the grassroots level and fostering a resilient farming ecosystem.
