Bhubaneswar, Aug. 2 (UDN): The Odisha Cabinet on Saturday approved a series of major decisions aimed at strengthening the state’s agriculture and rural economy, including ₹673.33 crore worth of irrigation projects, an extension of farm mechanisation subsidies and the rollout of Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission (MMJJM) 2.0.
The decisions were taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, where 11 proposals across six departments received approval.
Among the key decisions, the Cabinet cleared four major irrigation and underground pipeline distribution projects under the Water Resources Department with a combined investment of ₹673.33 crore. The projects are expected to provide assured irrigation to nearly 23,000 hectares of agricultural land across five districts.
As part of the plan, water will be lifted from the Mahanadi and Daya rivers in Puri district and supplied to farmlands through a modern pressurised underground pipeline network. The initiative is expected to improve irrigation efficiency, reduce water losses and support year-round cultivation.
The Cabinet also approved the implementation of Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission (MMJJM) 2.0 with a ₹2,995-crore outlay. The five-year programme will be implemented across 134 blocks in 19 districts, aiming to enhance livelihood opportunities for tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) households through agriculture, allied activities, forest-based enterprises and rural entrepreneurship.
In a significant boost for farmers, the government extended its scheme for the promotion of agricultural implements, equipment and diesel pump sets for another five years.
Speaking on the decision, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the extension would encourage farm mechanisation and improve agricultural productivity across the state.
Under the scheme, women, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), small and marginal farmers will continue to receive 50 per cent subsidy on eligible agricultural machinery and equipment, while other farmers will be entitled to a 40 per cent subsidy.
Besides agriculture-related measures, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Odisha Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017, and gave its nod to the Odisha State Legal Services Cadre Rules, 2026, paving the way for administrative and legal reforms in the state.
The Cabinet’s decisions are expected to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, accelerate agricultural modernisation and expand livelihood opportunities, particularly in rural and tribal regions of Odisha.