Bhubaneswar: Farmers in Odisha will soon receive a unique identification number, similar to Aadhaar. The state government has decided to create a special Agristack ID for every farmer, which will help them access various government benefits and schemes more easily, informed Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari today.
The decision was taken at a meeting attended by Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Naik, Food Supplies, Consumer Welfare, Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, and Cooperation, Public Enterprises and Handlooms Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta.
According to the Revenue Minister, the registration process for the Agristack ID is being carried out through cooperative societies. In cases where farmers are unable to visit the cooperative institutions for any reason, government officials will themselves go to the farmers’ locations to complete their registration.
He further informed that a special arrangement has also been made for those who are currently outside the state. Such farmers can complete their registration, including the eye scan process, through video conferencing.
“Officials from the Agriculture, Revenue and Cooperative departments will work together to ensure the successful implementation of the programme. Once the Agristack ID is generated, farmers will be issued a special identity card that will store all their agriculture-related information”, said the Minister.
Minister also stated that registration will continue till the 31st of this month. There would be no difficulties in the registration process and that the deadline would be extended if required.
This initiative is expected to ensure that government schemes and assistance reach genuine farmers more effectively.
