The Odisha Government has launched the ‘Krushi Unnata Sahayogi’ internship programme to connect academic agricultural education with field-level extension services and provide students with practical experience in farming and rural development.

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture, Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo inaugurated the programme at the Krushi Shiksha Sadan Conference Hall of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).

964 Students Deployed Across 314 Blocks

Originally initiated in 2023, the expanded programme will now cover all 314 blocks across 30 districts during the Kharif season from October to December.

A total of 964 final-year undergraduate students specialising in Agriculture and Horticulture have been selected as ‘Sahayogis’ or associates. Around two to three students will be deployed in each block.

Students to Undertake Field-Level Activities

The interns will work from Monday to Friday between 10 AM and 5 PM, alongside Gram Panchayat-level agricultural extension personnel.

Their responsibilities will include monitoring crop pests and diseases using digital platforms such as e-Pest and the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS).

Each student will conduct a qualitative survey involving 100 farmers and undertake five semi-physical Crop Cutting Experiments to assess crop yields.

The students will also visit input dealers, Farmer Producer Organisations, Self-Help Groups and PACS or LAMPS to spread awareness about government schemes and mobile applications.

Digital Monitoring and ₹21,000 Stipend

The activities and performance of the interns will be digitally tracked through the KUS App and monitored using the ADAPT Dashboard. Block Agriculture Officers and Assistant Agriculture Officers will conduct weekly reviews.

After successfully completing the three-month internship, each student will receive a ₹21,000 stipend and a completion certificate from the respective Chief District Agriculture Officer.

Focus on Strengthening Agricultural Extension

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the programme would help strengthen the agricultural extension network while providing students with valuable practical exposure.

The programme will also document farmers’ challenges, success stories and feedback. Five top-performing students will eventually share their field-level experiences and insights publicly.

Several senior officials and academic leaders attended the launch, including Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabhat Kumar Roul, Director of Agriculture Subham Saxena and Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman.

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