Odisha to Open 58 Cold Storage Facilities in Sub-Divisions

Bhubaneswar: To strengthen the agricultural sector, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, announced several significant measures for farmers’ welfare and development on Saturday. Key among these initiatives is the establishment of cold storage facilities across 58 subdivisions in the state, which is expected to greatly benefit farmers by preserving their produce and reducing post-harvest losses.

The Chief Minister stressed on the importance of cold storage facilities, announcing that initial steps would be taken to establish these in 58 subdivisions. “With one cold store in every subdivision, farmers from all areas can be benefited,” CM Majhi stated, emphasizing the importance of these facilities in maintaining the quality of produce and stabilizing market prices.

The announcement followed discussions with various farmer organizations, including the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and Gram Vikash Parishad, at a meeting held at Krushi Bhavan. The Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Principal Secretary of Agriculture Department Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, engaged with the farmers to understand their needs and concerns.

Dr. Padhee provided an overview of the innovative construction and numerous facilities of Krushi Bhavan, emphasizing its role in supporting farmers. The interactions highlighted several critical areas of focus for the state government.

One of the major highlights of the meeting was the commitment to include all eligible beneficiaries under the PM Kisan Yojana who have not yet been enrolled. The government is actively developing the necessary systems and regulations to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Additionally, CM Majhi revealed plans for the ‘Samruddha Krushak Niti,’ a comprehensive policy designed to support farmers throughout the agricultural process—from the start of cultivation to the sale of their crops. This policy aims to provide holistic assistance to farmers, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and support at every stage.

The farmers’ organizations expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister and his government for their proactive measures. They particularly appreciated the decision to raise the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy to Rs 3100, a significant increase aimed at ensuring better remuneration for farmers.