Jharkhand Steps Up Digital Farming and Rural Market Reforms

Jharkhand has moved to boost digital access, improve rural markets and strengthen forest-produce value chains. These decisions were taken at the fourth board meeting of the Siddho-Kanhu Agriculture and Forest Produce Cooperative Federation (Siddhcofed). Chief Minister Hemant Soren chaired the meeting and asked officials to speed up work on several reforms.

Digital tools to support farmers

The Chief Minister directed the Agriculture Department to develop a simple mobile app for farmers. The app will help cultivators share crop details, input demands and market conditions. A local agri-portal will also be created. Through this portal, consumers and bulk buyers can purchase goods directly from farmers. As a result, the state hopes to reduce middlemen and increase price transparency. This move may also create space for agri-tech firms and logistics partners.

Training push through farmer schools

The government will expand farmer schools across districts. Hemant Soren said these centres must deliver practical training. He also instructed officials to prepare video-based modules. These modules will explain modern farming methods, value-addition skills and storage techniques. With these tools, the state aims to help farmers learn faster and adopt improvements in a simple way. This, in turn, can strengthen rural incomes.

Growing focus on forest-produce value chains

Siddhcofed will prepare new plans for major forest products. These include lac, tamarind, mahua, chironji, tasar, karanj, kodo and kutki. The Chief Minister said these products are central to tribal and rural livelihoods. Therefore, he asked the cooperative to expand processing, branding and marketing networks. This could support SHGs, MSMEs and local enterprises. It may also help Jharkhand position itself as a leading forest-produce hub.

Water structures for climate-resilient farming

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of repairing small water bodies and check dams. He said their maintenance should shift to farmer groups or water-user committees. With this step, the state expects stronger ownership, better upkeep and more reliable irrigation. These improvements are important for climate-resilient farming in rural areas.

Cooperative sector to lead market reforms

Siddhcofed presented its 2025–27 plan. It includes goals for procurement, processing and marketing. The cooperative will also focus on storage facilities, quality control and branding. These efforts aim to connect farmers with better markets and improve their share in the value chain. The government believes this will create new livelihood options across districts.

Data-driven systems for future planning

With the launch of new digital tools, the state will begin to collect real-time data on crops and prices. Officials said this information will help with forecasting, planning and transport. It may also support analytics and AI solutions in the agriculture sector. Over time, this can guide policies and strengthen market linkages.

Priority on transparent systems and quick payments

Hemant Soren said farmers must receive payments on time. He added that policies should remain transparent and easy to monitor. The government wants clear timelines and regular reviews to ensure every scheme delivers measurable results. These steps, he said, will help build trust among rural families.

Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar and other senior officials attended the meeting.