Dhamtari's Innovative Initiative Shines on National Stage, PACS Drone Model Gets Special Recognition on CSC Foundation Day

Dhamtari district's innovative initiative, the PACS Drone Model, received special recognition at the national level during the 17th Foundation Day celebration of Common Service Centre (CSC) e-Governance Services India Limited, held at Dhono Dhanno Auditorium in Kolkata, West Bengal. The program lauded the district's innovations, including drone services, digital crop surveys, and farmer registration (Farmer Registry) operated through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The chief guest at the ceremony was Mr. Dilip Ghosh, Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development, Government of West Bengal.

During the event, Mr. Jayant Nahata, Chief Executive Officer, Zila Panchayat Dhamtari, participated in a panel discussion on the topic "Agriculture Modernization through PACS," presenting a roadmap for expanding drone services in rural areas and developing PACS as a 'One Stop Rural Service Center.' He informed that currently, drone-based liquid fertilizer spraying is being carried out through 10 primary agricultural credit societies in the district, which is an innovative initiative by Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh.

He further stated that plans are in place to provide farmers with various facilities through PACS in the future, including agricultural mechanization, digital services, crop surveys, farmer registration, financial, and banking services, all at a single location. This will increase access to modern agricultural services in rural areas and enable farmers to easily benefit from technology-based facilities.

Speakers at the event highlighted the use of modern technologies in the agricultural sector as a significant step towards increasing farmers' income, reducing agricultural costs, and empowering the rural economy. CSC-VLEs who performed excellently were also honored during the program.

The event was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Information Technology and Electronics Department, Government of West Bengal, the Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, Mr. Akhil Kumar, along with senior administrative officials and CSC representatives from across the country.