Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi marked Akshaya Tritiya-cum-State Farmers’ Day by releasing ₹838.48 crore under the CM-Kisan scheme to over 41.68 lakh farmers. The financial aid reached accounts instantly through DBT, providing timely relief ahead of the sowing season.
The highlight was a vibrant event at Cuttack’s CRRI, where Majhi unveiled major farmer-centric measures. From laying the foundation stone for farmland projects to kickstarting the age-old ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’ ceremony, the program blended tradition with progress.
Post-inauguration, he toured the agri-expo and launched ‘Ama Bihana Rath’—mobile units ensuring certified seeds reach remote villages. Spanning 10 districts and 31 blocks initially, these vans offer 5-kg packs of improved paddy seeds right at panchayat levels, cutting costs and delays for growers.
In his keynote, Majhi hailed farmers as the architects of Odisha’s opulence. ‘Agriculture isn’t just our economy’s pillar; it’s our cultural heartbeat,’ he said. He vowed balanced growth integrating farms with industries for ‘Viksit Odisha’.
Spotlighting inclusivity, the scheme covers 41 lakh-plus smallholders, landless families, and tribal farmers. Majhi revealed impressive stats: 5.3% agri-GDP growth in 22 months—beating national figures—and a record 150+ lakh MT foodgrains produced.
Paddy procurement at a minimum ₹3,100/quintal has benefited 18.55 lakh farmers with 76.47 lakh MT bought this Kharif. Input subsidies totaling ₹5,590 crore further eased burdens. Looking ahead, investments in seeds, irrigation, and markets promise income doubling.
Majhi praised collaborative Centre-state pushes and the symbolic ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’ as harbingers of bountiful harvests. With these steps, Odisha eyes a resilient, tech-driven agri-sector empowering every tiller.
