Bhubaneswar: In a bold move to bolster the rural economy and ensure the financial security of the farming community, the Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, has officially set the roadmap for the implementation of the 2026–27 Agriculture Budget. During a high-level review meeting held at Krushi Bhawan, Secretary Shri Jadhav emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward underutilization of resources, directing senior officials to prioritize the rationalization of state sector programs to maximize impact at the grassroots level.
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment has been tasked with overseeing an ambitious outlay of 42,492 crore rupees, representing a 12.3 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. This financial commitment underscores the state’s strategy to transition from traditional subsistence farming to a more entrepreneurial and resilient agricultural model. Shri Jadhav highlighted that the success of the current financial year hinges on the judicious use of government funds and the timely achievement of expenditure targets across key flagship initiatives.
A central pillar of this year’s strategy is the Samrudha Krushaka Yojana, which has been allocated 6,088 crore rupees. The scheme is designed to stabilize farmer incomes by ensuring paddy procurement at a remunerative price of 3,100 rupees per quintal. To support this, a robust revolving fund of 5,000 crore rupees has been established to facilitate prompt payments to farmers, eliminating the delays that historically plagued the procurement cycle.
Beyond price support, the Secretary’s directive focused on modernizing the agricultural landscape. Significant funds have been earmarked for the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan, with 240 crore rupees dedicated to expanding post-harvest infrastructure. This initiative aims to reduce wastage and provide farmers with better holding power in the market. Additionally, the department is moving forward with the development of 100 Smart Farm Markets, or Model Mandis, which will integrate technology and transparent bidding processes to ensure fair value for produce.
Climate resilience also featured prominently in the Secretary’s assessment. The Shree Anna Abhiyan, with an allocation of 400 crore rupees, is set to receive a major push to revive millet cultivation across the state’s diverse agro-climatic zones. This is complemented by a 469 crore rupee provision for crop diversification into pulses and oilseeds, aimed at reducing the state’s reliance on paddy while improving soil health and nutritional security.
Shri Jadhav urged the directorates of horticulture, soil conservation, and water management to work in a synchronized manner. He specifically noted that the target to create 3.33 lakh hectares of additional irrigation potential within this financial year must be met through the effective execution of the Parvati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation scheme and other canal-based projects.
The meeting concluded with a clear directive to senior officers: every rupee allocated must translate into a measurable improvement in the farmer’s standard of living. By setting rigorous expenditure benchmarks and focusing on the rationalization of state resources, the Department aims to ensure that the 2026–27 budget serves as a transformative tool for the state’s 50 lakh farming households.