A workshop held in Bhubaneswar on Sunday sought to bridge the gap between agricultural technology and the farmers who stand to benefit from it. Organized by the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment department in collaboration with Social Alpha, a non-profit organization, the event aimed to accelerate technology adoption in the agriculture sector.
The workshop was distinctive in its approach, as it not only showcased innovative agri-tech solutions but also featured firsthand accounts from farmers who had used these technologies. This allowed participants to gain direct insights into the practical applications and impacts of the innovations. Five agri-tech startups—Khetworks, Capsber, Steupify, Terracroft, and Ekosight—presented their solutions, accompanied by field insights and farmer testimonials from districts such as Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, and Dhenkanal. Demonstrations further illustrated how these technologies could be integrated into everyday farming practices.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the presentation of Hi-Tech Nursery, a model supported by Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives. This initiative was showcased as a successful example of decentralized seedling production, offering a scalable solution for improving agricultural productivity at the grassroots level.
Ayan Deb, Director of the east zone at Social Alpha, shared that over the past four years, the organization has piloted 17 agri-tech solutions across Odisha. Of these, five have successfully completed the pilot stage, reaching over 7,000 rural households. Deb emphasized that the long-term goal is to transition from a program-based scale to an institutional, government-driven scale, ensuring that these innovations can be sustained and expanded through systematic support.
Subhranshu Mishra, Additional Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive technology. He underscored the importance of ensuring that technological advancements in agriculture are accessible to all farmers, regardless of their scale of operation or geographic location. This commitment is crucial for driving equitable growth in the sector and empowering farmers with the tools they need to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The workshop underscores a growing recognition of the need to integrate technology into agriculture to address challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and market access. By bringing together innovators, farmers, and policymakers, the event facilitated a dialogue that could pave the way for more widespread adoption of agri-tech solutions. The emphasis on farmer testimonials and real-world demonstrations highlights a shift towards more practical, farmer-centric approaches to technological adoption in agriculture.
As these innovations continue to evolve and gain traction, the collaboration between non-profits, government bodies, and local farmers will be instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture in Odisha and beyond. The success of such initiatives could serve as a model for other regions looking to harness technology to transform their agricultural landscapes.