The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), Government of Odisha, has entered into two major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen agricultural value chains and expand digital advisory services for farmers. The agreements mark a strong step toward modernising agriculture and enhancing support systems for farmers across the state.

MoU with Heifer International to Strengthen Ginger, Turmeric & Millet Value Chains

The first MoU was signed between DAFE and Heifer International, focusing on the development of value chains for ginger, turmeric, and millets (Shree Anna) in Odisha.

The collaboration aims to:

• Enhance farmer income

• Strengthen value chain and market linkages

• Promote crop modernisation

• Expand opportunities for producers of ginger, turmeric, and millets

This initiative is expected to significantly boost productivity and help farmers receive better market opportunities.

MoU with Tatwa Technologies for Krushi Samrudhi Helpline

The second MoU was executed between:

• DAFE

• Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development (FARD)

• Tatwa Technologies Ltd.

This partnership focuses on the operation, management, and maintenance of Odisha’s digital mobile-based agricultural extension platform — Krushi Samrudhi Helpline.

The mobile-based advisory system aims to:

• Provide real-time crop, livestock, and weather advisories

• Strengthen farmer-centric value chain extension

• Support decision-making at grassroots levels

• Improve outreach and digital access across rural Odisha

Leaders Highlight Digital Transformation & Farmer Support

The MoUs were formalised in the presence of:

• Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister (Agriculture, Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy)

• Shri Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of FARD & MSME

Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo emphasised that the agreements will help “reach the unreached” and ensure government support during farmers’ critical needs.

Minister Mallik noted how real-time livestock advisories have already benefited farmers and animal rearers.

Krushi Samrudhi Helpline Reaches Over 80 Lakh Farmers

Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, AG&FE, highlighted the large-scale impact of the Krushi Samrudhi Helpline, describing it as a toll-free advisory service connecting lakhs of farmers.

Key statistics shared:

• 80+ lakh farmers onboarded

• Advisories provided on 70 crop types, 11 livestock types, and 3 fisheries practices

• Since launch, the platform has delivered:

  • 95.15 crore crop advisories

  • 40.88 crore livestock advisories

  • 5.32 crore fishery advisories

  • 26.04 crore weather & scheme advisories

Senior officials from Agriculture, FARD, representatives of Heifer International, and Tatwa Technologies were also present during the signing ceremony.

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