The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL), in collaboration with Oasys Tech Solutions, has launched the Agri Entrepreneurship Promotion Scheme (AEPS). This innovative initiative, supported by the state government, aims to develop rural agricultural entrepreneurs, provide high-quality inputs and equipment, and offer marketing support to farmers across the state. The AEPS scheme has successfully trained and empowered 40 entrepreneurs in tribal blocks across 12 districts, enabling them to serve and support over 2 lakh farmers while achieving annual incomes ranging from Rs. 2-6 lakhs.

Odisha's economy relies significantly on agriculture, with a substantial portion of the population engaged in farming. However, many challenges, including lack of access to quality inputs, modern equipment, and marketing support, have hindered the growth and prosperity of farmers, particularly in tribal areas.

Limited Access to Quality Inputs : Farmers in remote tribal areas often lacked access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment, affecting their productivity.

Marketing and Market Linkages : Many farmers struggled with marketing their produce, often leading to losses due to poor price realization.

Income Disparities : A wide income gap existed between traditional and modern farmers, leading to economic disparities within the farming community.

In response to these challenges, APICOL, in partnership with Oasys Tech Solutions, introduced the Agri Entrepreneurship Promotion Scheme (AEPS) to address these issues and empower rural Agri entrepreneurs.

Training and Skill Development : The scheme provides comprehensive training and skill development programs to 40 selected entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise to serve as intermediaries between farmers and modern agricultural practices.

Access to Quality Inputs : Entrepreneurs are provided with high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, which they can then distribute to local farmers at affordable prices.

Marketing Support : AEPS offers marketing support and guidance to help farmers in tribal areas access better markets, leading to increased income.

Tribal Blocks Focus : The scheme focuses on tribal blocks across 12 districts, addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities.

The Agri Entrepreneurship Promotion Scheme (AEPS) has yielded significant benefits:

Empowered Entrepreneurs : The scheme has successfully trained and empowered 40 entrepreneurs, enabling them to serve as catalysts for change within their communities.

Improved Access to Inputs : Local farmers now have better access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, resulting in increased agricultural productivity.

Enhanced Marketing Support : With AEPS, farmers can better market their produce, leading to improved price realization and increased incomes.

Economic Upliftment : The scheme has helped bridge the income disparities among farmers, ultimately contributing to the economic development of tribal areas in Odisha.

Scale and Sustainability : AEPS has the potential to serve as a scalable and sustainable model for agricultural development in the region, fostering entrepreneurship and improving livelihoods.

The Agri Entrepreneurship Promotion Scheme (AEPS) represents a commendable effort by the Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL) in collaboration with Oasys Tech Solutions to transform the lives of farmers in tribal areas. By developing agri entrepreneurs, providing quality inputs, equipment, and marketing support, the scheme has not only increased agricultural productivity but also fostered economic development and reduced income disparities. AEPS stands as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Odisha.