Odisha Finalises Roadmap for Farmer Skill and Agri-Incubation Centre

Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards transforming Odisha’s agriculture into a future-ready and entrepreneurial sector, the State Government has finalised the roadmap for the proposed Farmer Skill and Agri-Incubation Centre (FSAIC). The project was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, with the objective of positioning Odisha as a frontrunner in modern and technology-driven agriculture.

The FSAIC is envisioned as a comprehensive platform for farmer upskilling and agri-enterprise incubation, aimed at bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern agribusiness models. Emphasising the project’s core focus, Shri Singh Deo said the initiative would empower farmers with skills, financial access and market linkages to ensure sustainable income growth and long-term rural prosperity.

“The primary objective is skill development. By equipping farmers with modern techniques and linking them to finance and markets, we are ensuring profitability and economic stability for rural Odisha,” he said.

Four-Module Structure for Holistic Growth

The centre will operate through four specialised modules—agri-entrepreneurship development, farmer skilling and training, technology demonstration, and value-added services. Together, these modules aim to nurture new agricultural enterprises, promote high-yield and climate-smart practices, showcase emerging agri-technologies, and enhance the market value of farm produce.

High-Tech and Sustainable Agriculture Focus

Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, said the FSAIC would integrate advanced and sustainable agricultural technologies. Key components include precision agriculture using IoT-based crop management systems, agrophotovoltaics for dual land use combining solar energy and farming, advanced laboratory facilities such as tissue culture units and recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), and renewable energy-powered cold storage and primary processing infrastructure.

Feasibility Studies and Implementation Support

The government has conducted detailed technical and financial feasibility studies at two proposed locations—HTI Nildunguri and Deras Agriculture Farm. The studies have found the project to be viable with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support from the State for both capital expenditure and operations and maintenance.

Global consulting firm Ernst & Young (E&Y) has been appointed as the transaction advisor to ensure the project is implemented in line with international best practices.

The meeting was attended by Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, representatives of E&Y, and senior officials of the Department of Agriculture, underscoring the government’s commitment to building a robust, innovation-driven agricultural ecosystem in Odisha.