Odisha Launches Farmer Skill & Agri-Incubation Centre to Drive Innovation
Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: The Government of Odisha has approved the roadmap for setting up a cutting-edge Farmer Skill and Agri-Incubation Centre (FSAIC), a landmark initiative aimed at transforming the state’s agriculture sector into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The decision was finalised in a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
The centre will serve as a comprehensive facility to upskill farmers, foster agri-startups, and bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern agricultural entrepreneurship.
“The primary objective is skill development. By training our farmers in modern techniques and providing them with financial access and market connectivity, we are ensuring long-term profitability and economic stability for rural Odisha,” Singh Deo said.
The FSAIC will operate through four key modules:
- Agri-entrepreneurship Development – Supporting new agriculture-based businesses.
- Farmer Skilling & Training – Hands-on education in sustainable farming methods.
- Technology Demonstration – Showcasing the latest agricultural innovations.
- Value-Added Services – Enhancing marketability of farm produce through processing and branding.
Advanced infrastructure will be incorporated, including IoT-enabled precision agriculture, agrophotovoltaics (solar energy with crop production), tissue culture laboratories, Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and renewable energy-powered cold storage and processing units.
Feasibility studies at HTI Nildunguri and Deras Agriculture Farm have confirmed both sites as highly viable, with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support for capital and operational expenses.
Global consultancy firm Ernst & Young (E&Y) has been appointed as transaction advisor to ensure international standards in project execution.
The initiative is expected to position Odisha as a leader in futuristic agriculture while creating new economic opportunities for farmers and rural youth.
