Bhubaneswar Welfare Initiatives: At a state-level Krushak Divas celebration held at Baramunda OUAT Farm, Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan emphasized that several farmer-centric welfare schemes — such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Crop Diversification Loans, Integrated Farming Initiatives, and the Shri Anna Mission — are actively being implemented in the state for the benefit of farmers.
Under the CM Krushak Yojana, during the Kharif season, the state has disbursed Rs. 1025 crore to:
50,16,938 small and marginal farmers,
49,482 landless agricultural families,
2,382 tribal farmer families.
In total, 51 lakh farmers have benefited.
Notably, 25,532 urban farmers have been included in this aid for the first time.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that this proactive financial support would help farmers with agricultural activities. He recalled that during the time of independence, India struggled to feed its 33 crore population. But now, the nation is not only self-sufficient in food grains and essential items but also exports agricultural produce.
Post-2014 Progress: Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, the country has seen a new direction in farmer welfare. Initiatives like PM-KISAN, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM Crop Insurance Scheme, and Agricultural Infrastructure Development have made remarkable progress.
Odisha’s Agricultural Economy: More than 60% of Odisha’s population relies on agriculture and allied sectors, contributing 22% to the state’s overall development.
The Chief Minister, sharing his personal affinity with farming, praised the farmers’ hard work that has transformed Odisha from a food-deficit to a food-surplus state.
He advised farmers to adopt climate-resilient farming practices and reaffirmed that since his government came to power, continuous efforts have been made to increase farmers’ income.
On MSP and Future Goals: He criticized the previous government for limiting action on MSP to a legislative resolution. In contrast, his government has implemented Rs. 3,100 MSP as promised.
He added that in the next five years, the state aims to bring irrigation to 15 lakh hectares of land with Rs. 1 lakh crore investment.
Steps are also being taken to establish cold storage units in every division to preserve produce.
Livelihood and Marketing Support: To enhance farmers’ income, support is being provided not only for farming but also for fishery, animal husbandry, poultry, and duck farming.
He emphasized: “From cultivation to crop sale, we will stand by our farmers during all times — in convenience and crisis.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also participated in the traditional Akhi Muthi Anukula ritual with the plow at OUAT’s Baramunda Agri-Education Farm and released the 1921 edition of “Krushaka Sangeeta” authored by Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher, in the presence of the poet’s descendants.
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also highlighted that Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the farming season, and the state government will always stand by its farmers to ensure fair market access and proper pricing for their produce.
“The progress of our farmers is the progress of our state,” he concluded.