Odisha CM Releases ₹1,025 Crore to Farmers Under CM-KISAN Scheme on Akshaya Tritiya

Bhubaneswar: In a major pro-farmer initiative, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday disbursed ₹1,025 crore as advance financial assistance under the CM-KISAN scheme, benefiting over 51 lakh farmers across the state. The announcement was made during the state-level Farmers’ Day celebrations at the OUAT Agricultural Farm in Baramunda, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

According to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the funds were transferred to 50,16,938 small and marginal farmers, 49,482 landless agricultural families, and 2,382 tribal farmer families for the 2025 Kharif crop season. Notably, for the first time, 25,532 urban farmers have also been brought under the scheme.

“This assistance is a step towards empowering our farmers and ensuring they have the necessary resources well in advance,” the Chief Minister said, expressing confidence that the funds would support robust agricultural activity in the coming season.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to agriculture, Chief Minister Majhi pointed out that more than 60% of Odisha’s population depends on farming and allied sectors, which contribute 22% to the state’s economic growth. He reflected on his own farming background and praised the state’s farmers for their tireless efforts in transforming Odisha into a food-surplus state.

“Agriculture is a labour-intensive and vital profession. It deserves utmost respect and active support,” he remarked, urging farmers to adopt climate-resilient practices.

He also noted that his government had fulfilled its promise to provide a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,100, contrasting it with the inaction of the previous government. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to improve farmer welfare, declaring plans to irrigate 15 lakh hectares over the next five years with an investment of ₹1 lakh crore.

The Chief Minister announced plans to establish cold storage units in every subdivision and extend subsidies for fisheries, animal husbandry, poultry farming, and other allied sectors.

“From sowing to selling, the government will stand with the farmers at every step,” he assured.

Majhi also emphasized the impact of central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Sri Anna Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, highlighting how agriculture in India has undergone a transformation since 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Marking the start of the new agricultural year, the Chief Minister performed the ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’ ritual by sowing seeds and ploughing land at the OUAT farm. He also released ‘Krushak Sangita Pustak’, a book written by Swabhav Kabi Gangadhar Meher in 1921, in the presence of the poet’s descendants.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted the government’s dedication to ensuring market access and fair pricing for farmers.

“The prosperity of the farmer leads to the prosperity of the state, and ultimately, the nation,” he said, thanking the Chief Minister for the timely financial support.

Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh and OUAT Vice Chancellor Professor Pravat Kumar Roul also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the importance of sustainable agriculture and scientific farming.

With this large-scale financial outlay and a comprehensive policy push, the Odisha government has sent a clear signal that farmer empowerment and rural prosperity remain at the heart of its agenda.