Balangir: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, addressing the state-level Kisan Shakti Samabha in Balangir on the first anniversary of the state government, reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to empowering farmers through comprehensive mechanical and technological assistance. He highlighted the fulfillment of a key election promise: ensuring farmers receive the true value for their hard work.
Emphasizing the significant representation of Balangir district with two Ministers in the Odisha Government, Chief Minister Shri Majhi declared, “Now, not a double engine, but a triple engine government is running here, and the development of the district is also running at three times the speed. This process will continue in the coming days.”
In his speech, the Chief Minister underscored India’s global recognition for its unique farming system, noting that over 60% of Odisha’s population relies on agriculture and allied activities. He stated that by May this year, 78,681 agricultural equipment had been supplied, with a discount of Rs. 459.68 crore provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). He also acknowledged Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s respect for farmers as “breadwinners” and his call for everyone to contribute to making agriculture the mainstay of the country.
The Chief Minister outlined the government’s ambitious target of providing irrigation facilities to 15 lakh hectares of unirrigated land within the next five years, showcasing their commitment to agricultural development.
He detailed various farmer welfare initiatives, stating that these measures have not only boosted farmer incomes but also ushered in a new chapter in the state’s agricultural development. He mentioned the “Developed Agriculture Sankalp Abhiyan,” a truly groundbreaking nationwide initiative for collective farmer welfare and increased agricultural income, which ran from May 29th to June 12th, starting from Sakhi Gopal, Puri.
Highlighting specific schemes, the Chief Minister elaborated on:
- Shri Anna Abhiyan: Improving the livelihood of small and marginal farmers by reviving traditional, forgotten foods and promoting nutritious food-based farming. Currently, ‘Mandya Laddu’ (millet ladoos) are being provided to students from nursery to class 10 in all government schools.
- CM Kisan Yojana: Providing financial assistance of Rs 4,000 to farmers, including urban farmers. On Akshaya Tritiya, a total of Rs 1,025 crore was disbursed to 50.02 lakh small and marginal farmers, including 2,381 Particularly Underdeveloped (PVTG) farmers and 25,532 urban farmers. The CM Kisan scheme is being linked with ‘PM-Samman Nidhi’ for enhanced financial support.
- Krishi Vidyanidhi Yojana: A groundbreaking initiative offering scholarship assistance for the higher education of farmers’ children to completely empower their families.
- Balabhadra Organic Farming Mission: Promoting chemical-free organic farming.
- Amrit Anna Project: Utilizing chemical-free, native fragrant rice produced in Odisha for the ‘Koth Bhog’ of Lord Jagannath, with plans to extend its use to the entire ‘Mahaprasad’ in the coming days.
Chief Minister Shri Majhi concluded by reiterating the government’s top priority for farmer empowerment, noting the significant success achieved within a year. He affirmed the goal of building a prosperous Odisha by 2036, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India by 2047, with agriculture and farmer development playing a strong role in achieving both.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, speaking at the event, informed that the government has proposed increased financial resources in the state budget for agriculture and farmers this year and plans for further allocation in the next budget. He proudly stated that Odisha is now exporting fruits outside India, a testament to their strong commitment. Shri Singh Deo also announced the upcoming establishment of an agricultural college in Balangir and a fishery college in Sonepur to provide advanced knowledge and skills.
Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahalinga emphasized the importance of providing healthy food from Balangir’s crops and farmers for the state’s well-being and reiterated their commitment to fulfilling all farmer needs. Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Rabi Narayan Nayak added that for the state’s development, every village must become agriculturally empowered, as agriculture is the backbone of the economy.
The Chief Minister felicitated successful farmers at the event, encouraging them to leverage technology for enhanced farming. Dignitaries present included Balangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, Titilagarh MLA Naveen Kumar Jain, Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bagh, and Northern Revenue Division Commissioner Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, IGP Northern Range Himanshu Kumar Lal, and other senior officials.