Bhubaneswar: Shri Sachin R Jadhav, the Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, chaired a high-level review meeting to streamline the Price Support Scheme for the upcoming Kharif season. During the session, he highlighted the strategic importance of the scheme in protecting the livelihoods of the farming community. A primary focus of the review was the promotion of Arhar cultivation, as the department aims to expand the area under pulses to meet both state and national production goals.
Shri Jadhav emphasized that raising awareness among farmers is essential for the success of this initiative. He directed officials to launch comprehensive outreach programs to educate growers about the benefits of the Price Support Scheme, specifically for Arhar. By ensuring that farmers are well-informed about the support mechanisms available to them, the department hopes to encourage a significant shift toward pulse production this year.
In addition to promoting crop diversification, the Secretary stressed the necessity of operational efficiency during the procurement process. He impressed upon the concerned authorities the importance of ensuring timely payments to farmers under PSS procurement. Shri Jadhav noted that prompt financial settlements are crucial for maintaining farmer trust and providing them with the necessary liquidity to invest in subsequent agricultural cycles.
The meeting concluded with a call for better coordination between nodal agencies and district-level officers to ensure a seamless implementation of the scheme. By focusing on both increased production and reliable price support, the department aims to create a more resilient agricultural economy in Odisha.