CM Majhi Launches ₹800 Additional Input Assistance for Farmers in Odisha’s Bargarh District

Sohela, Odisha: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday launched a groundbreaking initiative to provide farmers with additional input assistance of ₹800 per quintal of paddy over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,300. The program, unveiled at a ceremony in Sohela, Bargarh district, marks a significant step towards ensuring fair pricing for farmers’ produce.

Under the scheme, the Odisha government disbursed ₹66 crore to over 16,000 farmers via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on the same day.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi declared the day as historic for Odisha’s farmers. “This initiative will be remembered in golden letters as a moment when the government stood by our farmers to ensure a just price for their hard-earned produce,” he said.

Majhi emphasized that Sohela was chosen for the launch because of its status as a hub of farming activity and its vital role as part of Odisha’s “rice bowl.” He highlighted two key reasons for starting the program from Bargarh district:

• Fulfilling a Promise: Majhi recalled that a previous administration had made an unfulfilled promise of ₹100 per quintal assistance to farmers in 2016. “As a befitting reply to that false promise, we have launched this ₹800 additional input subsidy program to demonstrate our commitment to farmers,” he said.
• Recognizing Contributions: The Chief Minister lauded Bargarh district’s farmers for producing the highest amount of paddy in the state and their significant contribution to Odisha’s food security.

Majhi also underlined the government’s resolve to prioritize agricultural reforms, noting that the distribution of the subsidy was one of the first decisions made during his Cabinet’s inaugural meeting. “This initiative is not just a promise fulfilled; it is a testament to our dedication to the welfare of farmers,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo reaffirmed the government’s focus on actions over words. “Our government believes in work, not words. What we promised before the election has been delivered today,” he stated.

Singh Deo was joined by other dignitaries, including Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, and Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta, who attended the event in person. Several ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, participated virtually from other districts.

Highlighting the ongoing procurement efforts, Majhi revealed that the government began paddy procurement for the Kharif season on November 20. Over 21,500 farmers have already sold their paddy to the government under the scheme.

The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating the critical role of farmers in the nation’s progress. “Our farmer brothers and sisters are the breadwinners of the country. Without their progress, the nation’s progress is impossible. Ensuring fair pricing for their produce is not just a promise—it’s our duty,” he affirmed.