Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Odisha, is gearing up to host Krushi Odisha 2024 from January 12 to 14 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. The announcement was made by Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain at Krushi Bhavan today, where he revealed that the theme of this year’s event is ‘Celebrating Women in Agriculture’ to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal role played by women in agriculture and allied sectors. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is set to grace the inaugural ceremony, underlining the government’s commitment to the farming community and the people of Odisha.
Minister Swain emphasized that women contribute more than 60% to the agricultural sector, justifying the chosen theme. Approximately 5000 farm women, 2000 Women SHGs, and Agri-entrepreneurs from various parts of the state are expected to participate in the event. Successful women farmers and SHGs will be felicitated during the three-day program.
Principal Secretary of the Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, said, “Other than agriculture, women are also active in allied sectors. The seed, which is the career of our progress in agricultural development, is being selected and preserved by women. They are also engaged in post-harvest activities and entrepreneurship. Despite having such significant contributions, they don’t have a major role in decision-making. In view of this, with the approval of the Chief Minister, the tagline of this year’s event ‘Celebrating Women in Agriculture’ has been decided.”
The primary objective of Krushi Odisha 2024 is to recognize and highlight the invaluable contribution of women in the field of Agriculture and allied sectors. The event aims to provide a platform for interaction and collaboration among women farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Women Agri-entrepreneurs, Market players, Service Providers, and Agri-preneurs (Industry). Additionally, the event will showcase the best products and practices of women farmers, contributing to enhanced farm profitability.
The event will feature 17 Technical Sessions in collaboration with different State Government Departments, the Central Government, ICAR institutes, CGIAR institutes, and NGOs. These sessions will include Farmer-Scientist interactions, seminars, a Farmer Facilitation Centre, Experience Learning Centre, display of farm machinery, and Exhibition Stalls showcasing farm produce.
To make Krushi Odisha 2024 more engaging, a range of activities such as quizzes, lectures, experimental water games, local farmer songs, storytelling, postcard exchange, and Experimental Learning Centres will be organized. The event will also feature the felicitation of awardees for women farmers and women SHGs.
In recognition of excellence in achieving successful farming models, Progressive farmers, Agri-entrepreneurs, and SHGs (FPOs) from 30 districts of the State in Agriculture & Allied Sectors will be honoured during the event. Krushi Odisha 2024 promises to be an enriching experience, fostering collaboration and innovation in the agricultural landscape of Odisha.
