Odisha Reviews Agriculture Projects and Farmers’ Welfare Schemes

Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo chaired two crucial review meetings today at Lok Seva Bhavan, focusing on agriculture infrastructure projects and farmers’ welfare schemes. The meetings were attended by Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, senior officials, and district-level agriculture officers.

The first meeting assessed the progress of ongoing construction projects under the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, including infrastructure development at IMAGE (Institute on Management of Agricultural Extension), the Krushi Udyog Bhavan, India’s largest millet processing unit, a millet café, and a food court. The department has been instructed to complete all these projects by September 2025.

In the second review, the procurement of Shri Anna (millets) and the implementation of CM-KISAN and PM-KISAN schemes were discussed. CM-KISAN Yojana, a flagship scheme of the Odisha government, currently benefits 45.6 lakh farmers, with an additional 6.61 lakh new applicants awaiting inclusion. Under PM-KISAN Yojana, 35 lakh farmers have been covered so far.

Farmers under CM-KISAN have been directed to update their e-KYC through VAW (Village Agriculture Workers) and BAO (Block Agriculture Officers) by March 24. Dr. Padhee has warned of disciplinary action, including salary withholding, against officials failing to meet the deadline. The e-KYC process is crucial for eliminating fake beneficiaries and ensuring that genuine farmers receive financial assistance.

Odisha is also working on an integrated farmer registry to create a comprehensive database of all farmers in the state. Special attention is being given to 78,869 PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) farmers, ensuring their priority inclusion in CM-KISAN and PM-KISAN schemes.

On the procurement front, the government is actively buying Shri Anna (millets) from farmers through FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) at ₹4,500 per quintal. So far, 5.51 lakh quintals of millet have been procured, with 50,620 farmers selling their produce at government mandis. The last date for selling Shri Anna at mandis has been set for March 31. The state has also provided grain-cleaning machines at mandis, enabling farmers to meet FAQ (Fair Average Quality) standards and receive the best price for their produce.