Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today disbursed the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme to nearly 34.85 lakh farmers in Odisha, amounting to ₹697 crore, during a state-level event held at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar. The programme was organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment.
The disbursal coincided with the nationwide distribution of PM-KISAN benefits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who released ₹20,000 crore to 9.7 crore farmers from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Each beneficiary under the PM-KISAN scheme receives ₹2,000 per installment, offering vital financial support to farmers across the country.
Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the farming community. “This government is for the people and the farmers. In just one year, several farmer-focused schemes have been implemented and are already yielding benefits,” he said.
He also highlighted that over 50 lakh farmers in the state receive ₹4,000 annually under the CM Kisan scheme. When combined with PM-KISAN, each eligible farmer receives ₹10,000 per year, a significant boost to rural livelihoods.
“The PM-KISAN installment for April to July is being directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and efficiency through technology,” said the Chief Minister. He added that the scheme benefits all farmers—small, medium, and large, including those in urban areas.
Majhi announced that saturation drives have been conducted across all blocks to ensure that no eligible farmer is left out of the PM-KISAN scheme. He urged farmers to diversify crops and explore profitable allied activities like fisheries and animal husbandry, which can help improve income and economic security.
The Chief Minister also mentioned additional support through the Samruddha Krushak Yojana, under which farmers receive ₹800 per quintal of paddy as input subsidy. Last year, approximately ₹6,000 crore was disbursed to 17 lakh farmers during the Kharif season, and another ₹1,600 crore to 3 lakh farmers during the Rabi season.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, also present at the event, noted that Odisha’s agricultural leadership was being recognized nationally. “The ₹697 crore distributed today will enable farmers to purchase seeds and fertilizers ahead of the season,” he said. He also urged farmers to conserve soil, adopt organic farming, and consider alternate cropping systems to boost both health and income.
He added that the state government has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of paddy at ₹3,100, aligning with efforts to increase farmers’ income.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Khordha MLA Prasanta Kumar Jagadev, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Pravat Kumar Roul, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Suresh Kumar Vashishth, ICAR Deputy Director General Dr. J.K. Jena, and Director of ICAR-CIFA Dr. P.K. Sahu.
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