Odisha Farmer Delegation Visits Sahyadri Farms to Enhance Agricultural Practices

Bhubaneswar: A 57-member delegation from Odisha, led by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo, embarked on a five-day training program at Sahyadri Farms in Nashik, Maharashtra, to explore innovative agricultural practices and technologies. The group includes representatives from Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs) and officials from various departments, including Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Food Production, Horticulture, and Mission Shakti.

Addressing the delegation, Deputy Chief Minister Singhdeo emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained at Sahyadri Farms to strengthen Odisha’s agrarian economy. “The insights and skills you acquire here should be implemented back home to empower farmers and improve agricultural productivity. We aim to provide similar training opportunities to more farmer producer groups and individual farmers in the future,” he stated. Singhdeo also encouraged agriculture entrepreneurs from other states to invest in Odisha, underscoring the state’s potential in the sector.

During the visit, the delegation received a detailed overview of Sahyadri Farms’ advanced agricultural practices and facilities from its CMD, Vilas Shinde. The program covered a wide range of topics, including the Agri Voltaic Project, Spray Drying Unit, Farmers Facilitation Centre, Testing Lab, Grape Farms, Solar Dryers, Algae Production Units utilizing wastewater, and Post-Harvest Infrastructure like Grape Pack Houses, Cold Storage, and Processing Units for fruits, cashews, and pomegranates.

The trainees also toured Sahyadri’s state-of-the-art facilities, including biogas and solar energy units, FMCG processing units, and training centers. Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate addressed the delegation, highlighting Maharashtra’s agricultural advancements and the importance of knowledge exchange between states.

The training program, fully funded by the Government of Odisha, aims to empower Farmer Producer Groups to adopt modern agricultural techniques and practices, boosting productivity and market competitiveness.

Key officials accompanying the delegation included Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Director of Agriculture Prem Chandra Chaudhary, and Director of Horticulture Nikhil Pawan Kalyan.