Tomar advises Odisha farmers to adopt tech-driven integrated practices to earn more 

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Sunday expressed his concern for Odisha farmers’ financial condition which he said is not improving at par with their counterparts in other states. Tomar advised farmers in the State to adopt practices to mix technology with farming to reaping better profits. 

“In case of farming sector, benefits don’t come overnight as it takes time to get results. The Central government had implemented several schemes and initiatives in the last eight years and they have started paying dividends now,” said the Union Minister. 

Terming the farmers as the backbone of the society, Tomar said in Odisha, farmers who are using technology and taking up crop diversification and integrated farming are reaping benefits. 

“In Odisha, 24,000 hectares of land is dedicated to organic farming and its profits will be discernible in coming days,” Tomar added.  

Informing about the steps taken for the development of farming and farmers, Tomar said, “The Ministry of Agriculture and Framers’ Welfare is working on ‘Digital Agriculture Mission’ for which several mobile applications have been developed.”

“The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Steps have taken for Millets to find place in each plate,” informed Tomar.

Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Trilochan Mohapatra also echoed the views of the Union Agriculture Minister. “In Odisha, farmers are growing paddy only. By doing this, they can’t double their earning. They should rather switch over to crop diversification,” said Mohapatra.

“The State receives ample rain which is why there is no scarcity of water here. The State is also blessed with different climates. Hence, the paddy farmers can grow fish, vegetables and fruits along with cereals,” said Mohapatra.