Odisha Launches e-Chasa App and Portal for Digital Crop Survey to Empower Farmers

Bhubaneswar: In a pioneering move to modernize agriculture, Odisha has launched the e-Chasa App and Portal as part of its Digital Survey Policy to enhance crop production and processing. The initiative, aimed at empowering farmers across the state, was officially launched today by the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo, at the research plot of the Agronomy premises of Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT).

The event saw participation from prominent figures, including Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Director of Agriculture Premchandra Choudhary, OUAT Vice Chancellor Prabhat Kumar Raul, scientists, agriculturists, and farmers.

Singhdeo emphasized that the e-Chasa App and Portal will revolutionize farming in Odisha by promoting data-driven policies and offering precise information on crops, especially in remote and hilly regions. “Odisha is the first state to adopt a digital survey policy in agriculture, and this initiative will benefit approximately 48 lakh farmers,” he said.

The digital crop survey will serve as a one-stop platform for farmers, allowing them to access real-time crop data, receive guidance, and report issues, all under one roof. The portal’s ability to deliver crucial information at any time, regardless of weather conditions, is expected to streamline agricultural services across the state.

A pilot survey conducted in 2023 in the districts of Bhadrak, Deogarh, Nuapada, and Nayagarh tested the system, covering around 30 lakh plots. Encouraged by its success, the program has now been expanded statewide, with plans to survey approximately 3 crore agricultural plots across 48 lakh hectares of land.

Padhee noted that the massive scale of this initiative involves deploying 28,000 surveyors, 8,000 supervisors, and 1,400 inspectors to ensure its effective implementation.

Director of Agriculture Premchandra Choudhary highlighted that the app will allow farmers to stay informed about the digital crop survey and access support through the Farmers Helpline (155333).