Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched the digital mandi scheme and distributed free mobiles to 5,000 farmers to woo the community ahead of the 2014 polls. Inaugurating the digital bazaar programme here, the Chief Minister said  farmers can access market information related to agriculture through the mobiles.

Farmers having kissan credit cards will be eligible for the scheme. Sources said 15,000 more beneficiaries will get phones at district levels within a month. The eligible farmers will be short-listed by the district-level committees under the chairmanship of the Collector.

The State Government has also roped in service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to send free voice SMSs related to market prices of agriculture produces, fertilisers and weather condition. The State Government has provided `2 cr for the implementation of the scheme in the 2013-14 budget. Each of the Nokia cell phones cost the State Government `1,120.

Stating that Odisha can move forward if the lot of the farmers improved, Naveen announced that the State Government is committed to all-round development of the sector. He said farmers can now access market information and decide on the time and place to sell their produce. Besides, the cell phones will also help the farmers to do a proper crop planning, he said.

The Chief Minister said for the first time, a separate agriculture budget was placed. Besides, Biju Krushi Kalyan Yojana (BKKY) was launched so that 50 lakh farmers’ families can avail health facilities. He said he State Government has also provided `60 cr for setting up 150 market yards at the block level. Addressing the function, Agriculture Minister Debi Mishra said farmers can get market-related information in their mobiles in Odia. Cooperation Minister Bikram Arukh said farmers can directly access information.

Source:http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Naveen-doles-out-free-mobiles-to-farmers/2013/06/19/article1641869.ece