On October 14, Kozhikode district will mark a significant milestone with the grand opening of its first-ever smart agriculture office in Panangad. This pioneering ‘Krishi Bhavan,’ costing ₹26.55 lakh, is poised to transform agricultural support by introducing a wide array of online services designed specifically for local farmers. The inauguration ceremony will be graced by Agriculture Minister P. Prasad.
Agriculture department officials have confirmed that this ambitious project builds upon the success of similar pilot initiatives in other districts. The Panangad facility will emulate and expand upon the popular online services first introduced at the smart ‘Krishi Bhavan’ in Konni, Pathanamthitta. This move represents a substantial shift from conventional agricultural infrastructure to a modern, technology-driven hub.
An agricultural officer involved in the project’s execution highlighted the core vision: ‘Through this smart office initiative, every agriculture-related service will be seamlessly integrated into specialized and tailored digital platforms. Farmers will gain the ability to submit online applications for various schemes, claims, necessary tests, and even access expert scientific guidance from the comfort of their homes.’ He further emphasized that ‘exceptionally fast service delivery’ would be a defining characteristic of this new approach.
Beyond its digital offerings, the Panangad Krishi Bhavan is equipped with dedicated physical facilities tailored to farmers’ needs. Its commitment to excellence is underscored by its recent ISO certification, a testament to the rigorous audit of its services and infrastructure. A notable innovative feature is the establishment of an eco-shop, providing farmers with a direct platform to sell their produce. Complementing this, the Bhavan will also ensure the consistent supply of organic manure, essential pesticides, and superior quality seeds.
Sources within the Agriculture department revealed that during the inauguration, the Minister is expected to unveil the government’s broader strategy for implementing more such advanced agricultural projects across Kerala. Furthermore, a range of proposals for new agricultural ventures and schemes, previously deliberated with various farmer organizations, are slated for presentation at this pivotal event.