Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced an outlay of Rs 42,492 crore under the Agriculture Budget for 2026–27, marking a 12.3 per cent increase over last year’s allocation and signalling a major push toward rural empowerment and farmer welfare.
Presenting the Agriculture Budget as part of the Annual Budget in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Majhi dedicated the outlay to the “Annadata” of the State, stating that agriculture remains the identity and lifeline of lakhs of farming families in Odisha.
A key highlight of the Budget is the Samrudha Krushaka Yojana, under which paddy will be procured at Rs 3,100 per quintal along with enhanced input support. An allocation of Rs 6,088 crore has been proposed for 2026–27, along with a Rs 5,000 crore revolving fund to ensure timely payment to farmers and smooth procurement operations. The government has also decided to create modern storage infrastructure with a capacity of around 11 lakh metric tonnes to minimise losses and strengthen the Public Distribution System.
The CM-KISAN scheme will continue to provide income support to farmers, complementing PM-KISAN. In 2025–26, the scheme benefited over 51.56 lakh farmers, including PVTGs, urban farmers and landless agricultural households. For 2026–27, Rs 2,030 crore has been proposed under the scheme.
To promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, Rs 400 crore has been earmarked for the Shree Anna Abhiyan to revive millet cultivation. Crop diversification initiatives focusing on pulses, oilseeds and indigenous rice varieties will be supported with Rs 469 crore. The government has also proposed Rs 150 crore for coffee plantations in six high-altitude districts, along with allocations for sugarcane development and organic farming missions.
Farm mechanisation will receive Rs 400 crore, while Rs 441 crore has been proposed as capital subsidy for agri-enterprises and agro-service centres. A new Cold Storage Policy backed by Rs 63 crore aims to strengthen post-harvest management. Horticulture development will receive Rs 544 crore to promote crop-specific clusters, value chain expansion and improved market linkages.
Irrigation and water security form a central pillar of the enhanced outlay. The government has set a target to create 15 lakh hectares of additional irrigation potential by 2029, including 3.33 lakh hectares in 2026–27. Major irrigation projects such as Lower Suktel and Gangadhar Meher will progress, while new projects including Sono and Bhimkund will be grounded. The Parvati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation scheme will be expanded with a consolidated provision of Rs 2,029 crore.
In the fisheries and animal resources sector, Rs 2,019 crore has been allocated to accelerate growth under the Blue Economy framework. The Odisha Shrimp Mission and Deep-Sea Fishing Mission aim to boost aquaculture, expand exports and modernise fishing infrastructure across key coastal hubs.
Livestock development schemes including Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana and Prani Sampad Samruddhi Yojana have received enhanced allocations, while a 24×7 Referral Veterinary Hospital will be set up at Phulnakhara to strengthen advanced veterinary care.
Cooperative reforms and credit expansion also feature prominently in the Budget. The State aims to extend Rs 21,000 crore in crop loans to 38 lakh farmers, supported by Rs 1,070 crore under the Interest Subvention Scheme. A provision of Rs 500 crore has been made under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to safeguard farmers against crop losses. Additionally, 100 Smart Farm Markets (Model Mandis) will be developed as part of Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047 with an allocation of Rs 100 crore.
Emphasising that agriculture is not merely an occupation but a tradition and foundation of rural society, Majhi said the enhanced Budget reflects the government’s resolve to ensure higher incomes, climate resilience and long-term prosperity for Odisha’s farmers.
