Smartphones to smarten up women farmers in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today announced its decision to provide smartphones to women farmers in the state and to help them keep abreast of the latest practices in agriculture.

The move is aimed to empower the women farmers about the best practices followed in the sector while keeping them updated about other important details such as weather, loans and marketing of their produce.

The announcement was made by Cooperation Minister Surya Narayan Patro here today.

Speaking to media persons, Patro informed that the devices will reach farmers before the start of Kharif season.

"The smartphones will help the women learn more about agriculture and the best practices in farming adopted at different places. The gadget will help women farmers keep a track of their agricultural production, weather conditions, loan facilities and improving market connectivity," explained Patro.

Asked about the glitches faced by farmers during the previous distribution of mobile phones, the Minister said that this time round, the department would be distributing more "user-friendly" android sets.

Apart from the smartphones, the state government has decided to sanction around Rs 7,600 crore loans to farmers during the Kharif season.

“We have already started advertisements urging farmers to register their names for availing the loans,” Patro said.