Odisha CM Stresses Sustainable Food Systems at Krushi Odisha-2025

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the three-day Krushi Odisha-2025 event on Friday at the Biju Patnaik Ground, Baramunda, emphasizing the importance of sustainable food systems to ensure food security and environmental conservation.

“If our food system is sustainable, our people will not face food shortages, nor will there be adverse environmental impacts,” said the Chief Minister, urging a balanced approach to agricultural growth and resource preservation.

The Chief Minister assured farmers of the government’s unwavering support following the recent unseasonal rains that caused significant crop damage. He announced input subsidies totaling ₹291.59 crore for farmers who experienced crop losses exceeding 33%, funded through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Additionally, compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has already been disbursed via direct benefit transfers (DBT).

Majhi highlighted state initiatives such as the Balabhadra Jaibika Chasa Mission, promoting chemical-free farming in Daringbadi and Malkangiri districts, and the Mruttika Swasthya Mission, which focuses on improving soil health. He reiterated the government’s vision to achieve self-reliance in agriculture by 2036 and contribute significantly to India’s growth by 2047.

The Chief Minister lauded Odisha’s agricultural success stories, particularly the Kalahandi Sabji Kranti (vegetable revolution), which was recently commended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his “Mann Ki Baat” address. He called for collective efforts to make Odisha a model state in agricultural innovation and a growth engine for a developed India.

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to farmers, announcing an additional ₹800 per quintal input subsidy for paddy, complementing the ₹2,300 per quintal minimum support price. He also noted the establishment of 58 cold storages across the state to address storage issues and encouraged farmers to diversify crops and embrace modern techniques.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari emphasized Odisha’s leadership in agricultural support, highlighting the state’s ₹3,100 per quintal minimum support price for paddy, the highest in India. He assured timely compensation for disaster-related damages and reiterated the goal of making Odisha agriculturally self-reliant.

The event honored 10 successful farmers and nine horticultural farmers for their contributions to the sector. It also featured the launch of the Agriculture Department’s ‘Amal Utkal’ book and the IMAGE department’s official website. An exhibition showcasing advancements in agriculture was inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers as a cornerstone of economic growth. Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, highlighted the participation of over 10,000 farmers, agricultural scientists, and stakeholders, emphasizing the collective resolve to advance agriculture in Odisha.