Bhubaneswar: India is exporting cow dung worth nearly ₹400 crore every year, primarily to desert and arid countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, reflecting the growing global demand for natural and sustainable agricultural inputs. The demand from desert nations is driven by cow dung’s unique properties. Rich in organic matter,…
Bhubaneswar: The vibrant annual rural fair, Sisir Saras 2026, officially kicks off in Bhubaneswar, turning the IDCO Exhibition Ground into a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and craftsmanship. Organized by ORMAS under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, in collaboration with Mission Shakti, the event promises to be a grand celebration of rural entrepreneurship….
Bhubaneswar: Women farmers must play a central role in driving India’s transition towards sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, SEWA Senior Coordinator Mansi Shah has asserted, underscoring that purposeful inclusion of women across agricultural schemes, policies, and value chains is critical for long-term transformation. Drawing on SEWA’s extensive experience working with millions of women farmers across India,…
Bhubaneswar: The state government has commenced paddy procurement in 18 districts during the ongoing Kharif season, introducing an Aadhaar-based payment system to ensure direct, transparent, and secure transfer of funds to farmers. According to official data, 2,71,318 farmers have sold their paddy at nearby mandis so far. Of these, payments have already been successfully credited…
Bhubaneswar: Days after the Centre introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Congress on Monday announced a nationwide campaign titled ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ to oppose the move. The party accused the Union government of dismantling a landmark…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has marked a significant breakthrough in agricultural exports with its first-ever international shipment of garlic and French beans to Dubai, signalling a new chapter in the state’s efforts to link farmers directly with global markets and enhance rural incomes. The historic consignment, comprising 1,000 kg of fresh produce, was exported from Biju Patnaik…
Bhubaneswar: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Monday resolved to launch a nationwide ‘MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan’ from January 5, 2026, in protest against the Union government’s decision to repeal the nearly two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with the newly introduced VB-G RAM G Bill. Meeting in New Delhi,…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to script a new industrial chapter with Paradip at its centre, as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday unveiled plans to develop the port city into a critical industrial and logistics hub for eastern India. The announcement came alongside the launch of a ₹40,000-crore Green Hydrogen Hub, one of only…
Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at supporting farmers, the Odisha government on Monday announced an increase of ₹69 per quintal in the procurement price of paddy for the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26. The revised rate, which aligns with the state’s commitment to ensure better returns for cultivators, will apply to all paddy procured…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of India has launched a nationwide ‘Swadeshi Campaign’ to promote domestic demand for Indian handloom, handicrafts, and textile products. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Textiles, aims to revive traditional industries and reposition Indian-made fabrics as symbols of pride, heritage, and modern lifestyle. Announcing the campaign, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh…
