Community Launching of the ICT Project
The Pragati-Digital Green Project entitled “Ensuring Livelihood Security of Small and Marginal Farmers Using Information and Communication Technology (ICT)” was formally launched on 25 May 2010 at Ektaguda village in Mahadeiput Panchayat of Koraput Block.
The Pragati-Digital Green project aims to improve the cost effectiveness of current people-based extension systems in field by improving operational efficiencies and increasing the rate at which farmers adopt better agriculture practices. This will be accomplished through production of videos in local language and mediated video disseminations. The Project will be implemented in 150 villages of Koraput and Nandapur Blocks. For its initial phase (April to September 2010), the project shall cover 40 villages of Koraput Block for its initial phase.
An Odiya booklet on the details of the Pragati-Digital Green project was also presented and distributed during the event. The public presentation of project details, including costs, is a regular activity of Pragati as a measure of transparency and to highlight stakeholders participation.
The event was attended by the district government officials, the media, and some 200 community members from the Mahadeiput, Mastiput, Kendar and Manbar panchayats. The guests of honor included Sri R.K. Sadangi, Deputy Director of Horticulture; Sri Narayan Murmu, Block Development Officer, Koraput; Sri Surendra Masti, President of Koraput District Forest Federation. The Secretary of Pragati, Sri Prabhakar Adhikar was also present, as well as the Program Coordinator Smt. Luna Panda



The District Administration, in collaboration with Pragati Koraput, conducted a District level Training cum Workshop entitled, “Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition) of Forest Rights Act 2006” on 20 June 2010. The Training cum Workshop was held in the DNK Conference Hall in Koraput.