Dikhyaa Mohanty 
In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and support the farmers in Odisha, the state government has been implementing various extension services. However, with the changing times, there is an opportunity for private players to invest in extension services in the command area.
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population in Odisha, and the command area refers to the region under irrigation from a particular water source. There are several command areas in Odisha, including the Hirakud Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India. Chairing a seminar on ‘Private Led Extension in command area, Opportunities in Odisha’ on Day 2 of Krushi Odisha 2023, Director Agriculture & Food Production, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, emphasized that extension service is key to improving income and productivity of farmers. He also stated that approaches from the private sector are proving to be key in solving the challenges faced by the existing extension models.
Director General, MANAGE, Dr. P Chandrasekhar informed that 2500 input dealers in Odisha have been trained as para-extension workers, and 500 are undergoing training under the Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI). He further informed about free residential training on Agri-entrepreneurship for professionalizing Agricultural extension under the Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) Scheme. As of now, 645 professionals in Odisha have been trained, and 115 Agri-ventures established.
