Empowering Women in Agriculture: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Inaugurates Krushi Odisha 2024

Bhubaneswar: To recognize and promote the invaluable contribution of women in agriculture, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Krushi Odisha 2024 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. This pioneering initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Odisha, and FICCI, focuses on empowering women farmers and fostering their active participation in the agricultural sector.

Chief Minister Patnaik inaugurated Krushi Odisha 2024 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, emphasizing the significant role of women in the agricultural sector. The event, held under the theme “Celebrating Women in Agriculture,” is a collaborative effort between the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Odisha, and FICCI.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik highlighted the crucial contribution of women to agriculture and expressed his commitment to furthering their empowerment in the sector. He stated, “The progress of mothers benefits not only one family but the entire society. Through Mission Shakti, mothers have become partners in all areas of development. Many programs, including Mission Shakti, Millet Mission, and Coffee Mission, continue to provide opportunities for them in the agriculture sector.”

State Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain underscored Odisha’s transformation from a food-deficit to a food-surplus state under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. He noted the substantial increase in the agriculture budget, from Rs 700 crore in 1999-2000 to the current allocation of Rs 24,000 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to the sector. The minister highlighted the rise in Odisha’s growth rate compared to the national average, attributing it to higher spending, and emphasized the increased participation of women in agriculture.

Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture, expressed the aim to transform the farming sector in Odisha through the real empowerment and involvement of women farmers.

Women and Child Development Minister Basanti Hembram commended the involvement of women in various sectors, from paddy procurement to fish farming, through self-help groups (SHGs), making Odisha an inspiration to other states in agriculture.

The event recognized and honored 27 farmers, including 10 women, for their outstanding contributions to the agriculture sector. Around 5,000 farm women, 2,000 Women SHGs, and agri-entrepreneurs from different parts of the state participated in the event. Successful women farmers and SHGs were felicitated.

Krushi Odisha 2024 featured quizzes, lectures, experimental water sports, local farmer songs, storytelling, postcard exchange, a Farmer Facilitation Centre, and an Experimental Learning Centre, enhancing its significance as a celebration of women’s role in agriculture.