Bhubaneswar: In a move set to revolutionize the state’s agrarian landscape, the Government of Odisha, under the leadership of Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, has given top priority to agricultural mechanization. With a clear vision to boost productivity and empower farmers, the state has set ambitious targets and implemented strategic initiatives to ensure that modern farming becomes the new norm.
Dr. Padhee emphasized the state’s commitment to increasing farm power availability, which has already reached 2.61 kW per hectare in 2024-25. The department has laid out a roadmap to achieve a significant 3.50 kW/ha by 2036 and an even more ambitious 4.50 kW/ha by 2047. This long-term strategy aims to reduce the drudgery of farming, address labour shortages, and ensure timely agricultural operations, making farming “more modern, profitable, and attractive for future generations,” as stated by Dr. Padhee.
For the current financial year, the state has earmarked a substantial subsidy budget of ₹540 crore, with a goal of distributing farm machinery worth ₹1200 crore. The subsidy scheme is designed to be highly inclusive, with different tiers of financial support for various categories of farmers: General category farmers: 40% subsidy, SC/ST, women, and small and marginal farmers: 50% subsidy, Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs): 75% subsidy and FRA patta holders: A remarkable 90% subsidy.
To ensure the subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries without delay or leakage, Dr. Padhee’s department has rolled out several digital initiatives. These include online applications through the “Go Sugam” portal, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidies, and the use of e-RUPI vouchers for upfront payments. The implementation of SUIC codes for the unique identification and traceability of farm implements is a key measure to enhance transparency and efficiency.
In a major outreach effort, the state is organizing a series of Farm Mechanization Melas across Odisha. Dr. Padhee announced plans for 4 Regional Melas (in Sonepur, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati & Nabarangpur), 26 District-level Melas, and 28 Sub-divisional Melas. These events, scheduled from November 2025 to January 2026, will serve as crucial platforms for farmers to connect directly with manufacturers, dealers, financial institutions, and government agencies. Director of Agriculture, Shri Shubham Saxena, has called upon manufacturers to actively participate, urging them to maintain adequate stock and pass on the full benefit of GST reduction to farmers.
Chief Engineer Shri Bishnuprasad Mishra and other senior officials were also present at the meeting, signaling a coordinated, multi-departmental approach to the state’s agricultural mechanization drive.