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Odisha hosts good governance meet; Centre unveils new farm scheme targeting 100 districts

Odisha Hosts National Good Governance Meet; Centre Launches Ambitious Farm Scheme for 100 Districts

Bhubaneswar: In a significant push towards enhancing administrative efficiency and agricultural productivity, Odisha played host to the National Good Governance Meet on July 18, 2025, where the Central government unveiled a groundbreaking new farm scheme aimed at transforming the agrarian landscape across 100 selected districts nationwide. The event, held at the sprawling convention center in Bhubaneswar, brought together top bureaucrats, policymakers, and agricultural experts to deliberate on strategies for better governance and sustainable farming practices. This meet not only underscored Odisha's growing role as a hub for national dialogues but also highlighted the Centre's renewed focus on rural development amid evolving economic challenges.

The Good Governance Meet, organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, served as a platform for sharing best practices in administration, digital innovation, and public service delivery. Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the state's commitment to transparent and efficient governance. "Odisha has made strides in e-governance and citizen-centric services, and hosting this meet is a testament to our progress," Majhi stated in his opening address. He highlighted initiatives like the state's digital land records system and real-time grievance redressal mechanisms, which have reduced bureaucratic red tape and improved public trust.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was the chief guest and used the occasion to launch the new farm scheme, tentatively named 'Krishi Vikas Yojana' (KVY). The scheme, with an initial outlay of Rs 50,000 crore over five years, targets 100 districts identified as having high agricultural potential but facing challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and low productivity. These districts span across states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha itself, with a focus on rain-fed and drought-prone areas. The KVY aims to integrate modern technology, sustainable farming techniques, and financial incentives to boost crop yields by at least 30% within the first three years.

Delving deeper into the scheme's components, Chouhan explained that KVY will emphasize precision agriculture, including the use of drones for crop monitoring, AI-driven soil health analysis, and subsidized access to high-yield seeds and organic fertilizers. "This is not just about increasing output; it's about making farming resilient to climate change," the minister remarked. A key feature is the establishment of 'Agri-Tech Hubs' in each targeted district, which will serve as one-stop centers for training farmers, providing market linkages, and facilitating crop insurance. The scheme also includes provisions for women farmers, with dedicated funds for self-help groups to promote gender-inclusive agriculture.

The meet featured panel discussions on various facets of good governance, with experts from NITI Aayog and the World Bank sharing insights. One session focused on digital transformation, where Odisha's success with the 'Mo Sarkar' initiative—a feedback mechanism for government services—was lauded. Participants discussed how similar models could be replicated nationwide to enhance accountability. Another highlight was a workshop on ethical governance, addressing issues like corruption prevention and whistleblower protection, drawing from global best practices.

Attendees included chief secretaries from all states, district collectors from the 100 targeted districts, and representatives from farmer cooperatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video message set the tone, urging administrators to adopt a 'minimum government, maximum governance' approach. He praised the integration of the farm scheme with existing programs like PM-KISAN and Soil Health Cards, predicting that KVY would double farmers' incomes in the selected districts by 2030.

Odisha's role as host was particularly noteworthy, given its agricultural heritage and recent advancements. The state contributes significantly to India's rice production and has been experimenting with organic farming in districts like Koraput and Rayagada. Local farmers' groups welcomed the scheme, with one representative from Ganjam district noting, "Access to technology has been a barrier; this could change everything for us." However, concerns were raised about implementation challenges, such as ensuring equitable distribution of resources and addressing regional disparities.

The scheme's rollout plan involves a phased approach: the first year will focus on infrastructure setup in the 100 districts, including soil testing labs and irrigation enhancements. Subsequent phases will incorporate farmer training programs and market integration, with monitoring through a dedicated app that allows real-time data submission from the ground level. The Centre has allocated Rs 5,000 crore for the initial phase, with states expected to contribute matching funds.

Experts at the meet drew parallels between KVY and previous initiatives like the Green Revolution, but with a modern twist emphasizing sustainability. Dr. Ramesh Chand, a noted agricultural economist, pointed out that while the Green Revolution boosted production, it led to environmental issues like groundwater depletion. "KVY learns from that by prioritizing eco-friendly methods, such as promoting millets and agroforestry," he said during a panel.

The event also touched on broader governance themes, including the use of blockchain for transparent supply chains in agriculture and AI for predictive analytics in disaster management. Odisha showcased its flood early-warning system, which has saved lives and minimized crop losses in recent years.

Critics, however, cautioned against over-reliance on technology without addressing ground realities. Opposition leaders from various states argued that the scheme's success hinges on adequate funding for small and marginal farmers, who constitute 85% of India's agrarian workforce. They called for inclusive consultations to avoid top-down pitfalls seen in past programs.

As the meet concluded, a joint declaration was signed, committing participants to collaborative efforts in governance and agriculture. The Centre announced follow-up workshops in the targeted districts to kickstart KVY implementation. For Odisha, the event reinforced its position as a leader in good governance, with Chief Minister Majhi announcing plans to integrate KVY with state schemes like KALIA, which provides income support to farmers.

This convergence of governance and agriculture at the Bhubaneswar meet signals a holistic approach to India's development challenges. By targeting 100 districts, the Centre aims to create replicable models that could eventually scale nationwide, potentially benefiting millions of farmers. As climate change intensifies and urban migration strains rural economies, initiatives like KVY could be pivotal in ensuring food security and rural prosperity.

The meet's outcomes are expected to influence the upcoming Union Budget, with calls for increased allocations to agriculture. Stakeholders left optimistic, viewing the event as a milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in food production and efficient administration. With Odisha setting the stage, the nation watches closely as KVY unfolds, promising a greener, more productive future for its farmlands.

In essence, the Good Governance Meet not only celebrated administrative achievements but also launched a visionary scheme that could redefine Indian agriculture. As details of KVY are fine-tuned, its impact on the 100 districts will be a litmus test for the Centre's commitment to inclusive growth. Farmers across the country, particularly in underserved areas, stand to gain from this integrated push towards sustainability and efficiency.

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