Odisha Signs Key MoUs to Boost Agriculture and Strengthen Farmer Livelihoods

Bhubaneswar: To enhance agricultural infrastructure and empowering small and marginal farmers, the Government of Odisha signed two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at Lokseva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar today. The agreements focus on post-harvest management and livelihood promotion for Women Self-Help Group (WSHG) members through strengthened agricultural production clusters.

The first MoU was signed between the Directorate of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), and M/S Cold Chain Solutions for the operation, maintenance, and management of the Integrated Pack House at Govindpur, Dhenkanal. The second MoU was signed between the Directorate of Horticulture, DA&FE, Mission Shakti, and Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN) for strengthening the livelihoods of WSHG members through the promotion of Agriculture Production Clusters (APC) in Odisha.

The signing ceremony took place in the esteemed presence of Deputy Chief Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo; Deputy Chief Minister for Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti, and Tourism, Pravati Parida; and Minister for Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra.

Dhenkanal Fruits and Vegetables Marketing Company Ltd. (DFVMCL) was established under the Odisha Horticulture Development Society (OHDS) with the objective of creating a professionally managed institution to provide comprehensive post-harvest management services, efficient market linkages, and an alternative marketing platform for farmers. The Integrated Pack House at Govindpur serves as a key post-harvest treatment center with support infrastructure for storage and processing. The MoU aims to streamline its operations, ensuring that farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives receive fair market prices for their produce while improving supply chain efficiencies.

The APC initiative, launched by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, is a transformative project aimed at increasing the income of small and marginal women farmers. Currently implemented across 73 blocks in 14 districts of Odisha, the program has demonstrated significant success. The Odisha government has now expanded it to 27 additional blocks, covering 11 districts, making the total reach 100 backward blocks across 16 districts.

Under the expanded APC initiative, 695 Producer Groups (PGs) and 27 Producer Companies (PCs) will be supported with an estimated budget of Rs 6,205.8 lakh. This initiative integrates existing government schemes from various departments, including the Directorate of Horticulture, Directorate of Agriculture, Animal Resources Department, Mission Shakti, Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC), and others, to develop livelihood infrastructure and strengthen market linkages for farmers.

Speaking at the event, officials emphasized that the integration of improved cropping practices and livestock rearing by participating WSHG members would significantly enhance their income. The adoption of synchronized, market-linked production will further establish sustainable agricultural practices in the state.

The event was attended by Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee; Director of Horticulture, Nikhil Pawan Kalyan; Director of Mission Shakti, Dr. Monica Priyadarshini; and senior officials from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Mission Shakti, and other stakeholders. The signing of these MoUs marks a crucial step toward strengthening Odisha’s agricultural ecosystem, empowering farmers, and ensuring sustainable rural livelihoods.