Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik disbursed a sum of money amounting to over Rs. 1293.75 crore to more than 64 lakh Small & Marginal Farmers (SMF) and Landless Agricultural Households (LAH) across the state under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme. This substantial financial boost is aimed at enhancing agricultural livelihoods and fostering the overall well-being of farmers throughout Odisha.
The Chief Minister allocated over Rs. 933 Crores towards the 11th installment of KALIA assistance for the Kharif 2024 season, benefitting more than 45.67 Lakh Small & Marginal Farmers and 40 thousand Landless Agricultural Households through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Additionally, a sum exceeding Rs. 360 Crores was disbursed to 18,03,401 eligible landless agricultural households, providing one-time additional financial support of Rs. 2,000 to those who have already received all three installments of their livelihood cash support under the scheme (i.e. Rs. 12,500 in total), thereby augmenting their livelihood activities and substantially contributing to their income and overall well-being. In total, Rs. 1293.75 crore was released on this day to more than 64 lakh KALIA beneficiaries.
Highlighting the scheme’s uniqueness, the Chief Minister emphasized its role in providing timely financial aid to farmers during the agricultural cycle, thereby serving as an initial investment for cultivation purposes. Furthermore, the provision of KALIA Scholarships for the children of beneficiaries signifies the government’s commitment to holistic socio-economic development.
The Chief Minister also announced the extension of the KALIA Yojana for another three years and the allocation of significant funds. He stated, “I want the farming families to be empowered, live with dignity, and contribute to the prosperity of Odisha.”
Moreover, the Chief Minister inaugurated KALIA centers in each district, aimed at encouraging agricultural innovation and serving as one-stop resource centers for farmers under one umbrella. These centers are equipped with adequate technical manpower to resolve all issues related to various ongoing agricultural and allied programs, such as Krushak Odisha, Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY), SAFAL, GO SUGAM, and KALIA, ensuring timely redressal of grievances and seamless service delivery.
Under the KALIA scheme, financial assistance is extended to small and marginal farmers for the procurement of quality farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Additionally, livelihood support is provided to landless agricultural households, encouraging them to diversify their income sources through allied agricultural activities.
Since its inception, KALIA has demonstrated its efficacy in uplifting the socio-economic status of farmers. The scheme’s inclusiveness, facilitated by direct benefit transfers (DBT) to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, has played a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of dependency on non-institutional finance and moneylenders. By disbursing over Rs. 1293.75 crore in KALIA assistance, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to agricultural prosperity and the welfare of farmers in Odisha.
