Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged farmers to leverage technology for enhanced agricultural outcomes, stressing the significance of water conservation and crop diversification during the culmination of the state-level ‘Pani Panchayat Pakshya 2024’ at the Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan. Patnaik commended the success of the Pani Panchayat initiative, empowering farmers with the right to water and promoting efficient water use, leading to improved crop yields across the state. The Chief Minister emphasized the pivotal role of farmers in Odisha’s development and outlined ongoing government efforts to ensure ample water supply for agricultural land.
Notably, around 40,000 Pani Panchayats have been established in the state, transforming the initiative into a movement. Patnaik lauded the participation of women in the program and acknowledged their significant contributions.
Expressing his commitment to farmers’ development, Chief Minister Patnaik outlined the government’s efforts to ensure adequate water supply to agricultural lands. He highlighted the integration of technology in irrigation projects under the 5T initiative, ensuring timely project completion.
Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu acknowledged the transformative impact of the Chief Minister’s vision on agriculture and irrigation. The experiences shared by Pani Panchayat leaders emphasized the program’s success in optimizing water usage for crop cultivation, even during periods of low rainfall.
As part of the event, Chief Minister Patnaik launched a prototype of Pani Panchayat and unveiled a coffee table book titled ‘Secha Sahabhagita 2.0.’ He also awarded and felicitated outstanding farmers, Pani Panchayats, students, projects, and administrators.
The recognition included a reward of Rs 50,000 for the best Pani Panchayats, Rs 10,000 for 30 best farmers across districts, and cash prizes for students excelling in competitions. Maa Batamangala Pani Panchayat of Jagatsinghpur was honored as the best Pani Panchayat, among other awardees.
The Chief Minister emphasized the state government’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture through water management and technological interventions.
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