Odisha Cabinet approves ₹2,496-crore agri-entrepreneurship scheme

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to accelerate agricultural entrepreneurship and promote value-added farming, the Odisha Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) for another five years with a financial outlay of ₹2,496.40 crore.

The State Sector Scheme will be implemented from 2026-27 to 2030-31 to provide capital investment subsidies for setting up commercial agri-enterprises across the state. The proposal was approved at the 44th Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The scheme covers a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal resources and food processing, with the objective of encouraging private investment and expanding commercial farming activities. The government said the extension was necessitated by the encouraging response to the scheme and the growing demand for technology-driven and high-value agriculture.

During the five-year period, the government plans to facilitate the establishment of around 8,500 commercial agri-enterprise projects across Odisha’s 30 districts. Officials said the initiative is expected to promote agricultural diversification, improve productivity and encourage the adoption of modern farming practices.

The programme also seeks to ensure better utilisation of land and natural resources while generating sustainable employment opportunities and enhancing farmers’ incomes through commercial agriculture and allied activities.

According to the government, the continued implementation of MKUY will strengthen Odisha’s agricultural economy by fostering entrepreneurship, boosting rural investments and creating a robust ecosystem for agri-business development.