Bhubaneswar: Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain chaired a review meeting on Friday to assess the progress of various schemes under the Directorate of Horticulture. During the meeting, he urged officials to expedite the targets to be covered under the newly launched Missions through the GOSUGAM portal. 
The Minister emphasized the need for timely updates of physical and financial status of each scheme on the ADAPT portal within seven days. He also proposed restructuring of AHOs and refresher training for officials to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
The Minister asked the Scheme Officers, Deputy Director of Horticulture and Assistant Director of Horticulture of all districts to update the physical and financial status of each scheme on the ADAPT portal within seven days. He also proposed the restructuring of Assistant Horticulture Officers (AHOs) and refresher training for officials to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
Principal Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee informed that the horticulture sector in Odisha is making remarkable progress, surpassing agricultural production. This year’s horticultural production in the state is 13.69 million tonnes. He noted that the department serves around 70 lakh people in the state. With initiatives such as ‘Nutrition at Doorsteps’ and ‘Support to FPOs’ it is providing much-needed nutrition to vulnerable families and boosting farmers’ income.
Director of Horticulture, Rohit Kumar Lenka, highlighted the importance of the five new schemes approved by the State Government this year to address previous issues and augment the income of farmers and improve their livelihoods. He urged the officials to work in tandem with farmers and Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) for proper implementation of the schemes.
The progress made by the government of Odisha in the horticulture sector is indeed noteworthy, and with continued efforts and focus, the state can become a model for other states to follow. The officials involved in the sector deserve commendation for their dedication and hard work. It is heartening to see that these initiatives are having a positive impact on the people of Odisha and their livelihoods.
