Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo today reviewed the schemes being implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE).
He reviewed the PM Kisan, Digital Crop Survey and priorities of the new government on the Agriculture sector. Principal Secretary Arabinda Padhee was also present in the meeting
On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister also unveiled the booklet on Knowledge Sharing for Effective Administration (K-SEA). The Principal Secretary Dr.Padhee assured the DCM and everyone present that every effort will be undertaken to ensure the booklet reaches all the officials in the department as well as to other departments for reference and perusal.
Shri Singh Deo inquired about the action taken against discrepancies and erring officers. He further instructed the department officials to ensure strict action is taken against fraudulent activities under the scheme.
He discussed the achievement in Digital Crop Survey in its pilot phase during Kharif-2023. Based on the learning derived from Digital Crop Survey Kharif-2023, it will further be conducted in 30 districts of the State in Kharif-2024. The development of a mobile application and web portal for Digital Crop Survey was also discussed.
Principal Secretary Dr.Padhee briefed him about the success stories realised due to the efforts of the Department including the Odisha Millet Mission. Sharing his experience of farming in his hometown during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DCM expressed his pleasure at becoming a part of the Agriculture Department. On learning about Ama Krushi providing knowledge dissemination and advisory to farmers via the helpline number 15533, he called the helpline number and spoke with the Ama Krushi representative to understand the services and the solutions offered to farmers.
Speaking on agriculture being an important part of the economy, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “We need to strive to promote and involve each and every household in agriculture. People are moving away from it and we need to enable them to learn and earn their livelihood.”
Stressing on promoting agriculture and allied activities to prevent inter-state migration, he called upon the officials to rise to the occasion and deliver the promises made to the farmers.
Seeking cooperation of people in the department to reach the last mile, he further said, “I am a part of your team. We will work as a team together and deliver on the promises, address farmer issues on-the-ground and take this mission ahead.”