Bhubaneswar: Development of suitable mechanism at gram panchayat level to provide agriculture technology and services to farmers will be a vital step to ensure quicker technology transfer for the development of agriculture and allied sectors, according to the Centre's Department of Agricultural Research and Education secretary Trilochan Mohapatra.

He was speaking at the two-day annual zonal conference of Krishi Vigyan Kendras at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology that concluded on Sunday.

"Our farmers are facing the problem of plenty. Higher agricultural production in many cases has created market inequity and distress. In future, we will have to focus on post-harvest and value-addition activities," he said.

He further said the Krishi Vigyan Kendras will have programmes for development of agriculture and allied sectors at select locations.

"The kendras have to develop as a one-stop shop at the district level to cater to farmers' needs. Ten backward districts in Odisha have been designated as 'aspirational districts' and the kendras will have to take challenges to match the pressing need of development and well being of farmers," he added.

Presiding over the event, varsity vice-chancellor S. Pasupalak said: "We will focus on post-harvest, value-addition and need-based market interventions to enhance farmers' income. Besides profitability, sustainability and nutritional security, especially for women and children in tribal-dominated areas, are important. Accordingly, we have proposed two additional scientists at each kebdra," he said.

He said each new scientist in the kendras would have three months' training to acquire extension values for effective extension management.

"They will promote agri-entrepreneurs in order to enhance farm income."