The Agriculture Department of Odisha has taken a step forward in supporting farmers by signing two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at improving post-harvest management and expanding agricultural production clusters in underdeveloped regions. These agreements, signed on Monday, focus on ensuring better handling of fruits and vegetables after harvest and integrating more remote areas into the state’s agricultural growth initiatives.
Strengthening Post-Harvest Management with Cold Chain Solutions
One of the agreements was signed between the Directorate of Horticulture and Cold Chain Solutions to oversee the operations, maintenance, and management of an integrated pack house in Govindpur, Dhenkanal. This pack house, developed under the Odisha Horticulture Development Society (OHDS) and operated by the Dhenkanal Fruits and Vegetables Marketing Company Ltd (DFVMCL), will play a crucial role in streamlining the post-harvest process for perishable produce.
Cold Chain Solutions will use its expertise to ensure that the pack house functions efficiently, reducing post-harvest losses and maintaining the quality of fruits and vegetables. The company will also procure agricultural produce from local farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and farmer producer companies (FPCs). The procurement will be done at a mutually agreed-upon price based on prevailing market rates.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister KV Singh Deo highlighted that this collaboration provides an alternative marketing platform for farmers, ensuring better price realization for their produce. He emphasized that the initiative will help create strong institutional and organizational linkages, offering farmers a reliable mechanism to sell their produce without being solely dependent on conventional marketplaces.
Empowering Women Farmers Through Improved Agricultural Practices
The second MoU was signed between the Directorate of Horticulture, Mission Shakti, and Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN). This agreement focuses on the implementation of a project titled ‘Strengthening Livelihoods of WSHG Members through Promotion of Agriculture Production Cluster in Odisha.’
This initiative is designed to uplift women farmers, particularly members of Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), by promoting advanced cropping techniques and sustainable livestock rearing practices. The primary goal of the project is to help these women double their income over the project’s duration by providing them with the necessary training, resources, and market access.
The Agriculture Production Cluster (APC) project has already been implemented in 73 blocks across 14 districts in Odisha. Encouraged by its success, the state government has now decided to extend the initiative to 27 additional blocks, including the Kotia group of villages in Koraput district. This expansion is expected to provide economic benefits to a larger number of farmers, particularly in areas that have so far remained outside the ambit of such developmental projects.
Also Read: Innoterra Expands Fresh Food Supply Chain with Acquisition of Fasal’s Distribution Business
Ensuring Long-Term Impact and Sustainability
Both agreements reflect the Odisha government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through targeted interventions. While the partnership with Cold Chain Solutions is expected to enhance post-harvest management and reduce wastage, the collaboration with PRADAN and Mission Shakti is focused on empowering women farmers and improving their economic stability.
The expansion of the APC project into more backward blocks will bring structured agricultural development to underserved areas, ensuring that more farmers can benefit from improved cropping techniques, better livestock management, and stronger market linkages. The state government believes that these efforts will not only enhance farmers’ income but also contribute to the overall economic development of rural Odisha.
With these agreements in place, Odisha is set to witness improved agricultural infrastructure, better price realization for farmers, and greater inclusion of women in mainstream agricultural activities. As these projects roll out, their impact will be closely monitored to ensure that the intended benefits reach the farming communities effectively.
