Bhubaneswar, Apr 18: Odisha is taking a bold step towards modernizing its agricultural sector by sending 14 farmers and as many agricultural officers on a learning tour to Malaysia.

The 7-day visit, spanning from April 19 to 26, aims to expose the participants to advanced farming techniques and innovative agricultural practices.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Odisha government’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, in collaboration with the Water Resources Department (DoWR) and BIRD, Lucknow. It falls under the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA), a project designed to enhance agricultural productivity while combating climate change.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo flagged off the tour, emphasizing that this is not just a sightseeing trip but a significant learning opportunity. Farmers will gain firsthand knowledge of modern farming systems, improved irrigation methods, and marketing strategies for agricultural produce. Upon returning to Odisha, they are expected to implement these insights and share their experiences with fellow farmers. Participants are required to submit a detailed report within three days of their return, documenting their learnings and observations.

Government officials have been instructed to act upon these reports to ensure tangible agricultural benefits for Odisha. Many of the farmers, traveling abroad for the first time, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. They hope to adopt new techniques to increase their yield and contribute to Odisha’s growing agricultural sector. The initiative is seen as a stepping stone toward making the state’s farming practices more resilient, efficient, and globally competitive.

This programme underscores Odisha’s commitment to empowering farmers with knowledge and technology, fostering a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.

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