Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, attending an event of the Cooperation Department at Convention Center of Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday, disbursed the second phase of the interest subvention worth Rs 441.76 crore for the year 2022-23 to all the cooperative banks and 2409 primary agricultural cooperative societies of the state benefitting over 35 lakh farmers.
In the first phase, an interest subvention of Rs 415.17 crores had been provided. In all, farmers in the state received a total interest subvention of Rs 856.99 crore in the year 2022-23.
It is worth mentioning that farmers are being provided zero interest crop loans up to Rs 1 lakh. Out of 35 lakh farmers, 30 lakh are small and marginal farmers.
Addressing the farmers present on the occasion and the farmers who had connected through video conferencing, the Chief Minister said that agriculture is the soul of Odisha’s economy as well as the basis of development. “The charioteers of our new Odisha, strong Odisha are our farmers, mothers, and young women. So I have always emphasized on farmers’ empowerment,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said that a special budget has been made to empower the farmers. Interest-free crop loans up to Rs 1 lakh, KALIA scholarship is being provided for the welfare of the families engaged in farming.
Kiran Sahu, a farmer’s son in Ganjam, received a scholarship to study at MKCG Medical College & Hospital in Berhampur, the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister said that Odisha is the first state to provide interest-free loans to farmers and implement welfare schemes like KALIA. He expressed his happiness saying that due to today’s interest rebate, farmers will not have to pay a single rupee of interest.
Stating that the cooperative movement has become stronger today, the Chief Minister said, “Sixty percent of the crop loans is provided by the Cooperative sector alone.”
Stating that the farmers are our pride, the Chief Minister said, “Due to their hard work and determination, Odisha has become a leading state in the country in the field of agriculture. I am working and will continue to work for the welfare of farmers.”
Attending the programme, Cooperation Minister Atanu Sabyasachi said that the state government under the leadership of the Chief Minister is working with commitment for the upliftment of the farmers in the state. “Being nominated for the Krishi Karman Award several times is a testament to our commitment.” He said that today Odisha has turned from a deficit state to a surplus state due to the joint programmes of the Cooperation Department, Agriculture Department, and Food Supplies Department.
In the programme, three beneficiaries – Reena Sethi, Nikunj Bihari Kaap, and Sabita Samantaray – explained how they are able to sustain their families through farming and business due to interest rebate on major loans. Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for this, they said that many families have become self-reliant today due to the interest rebate scheme.
Principal Secretary of Cooperation Department, Sanjeev Kumar Chadha, delivered the welcome address, and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Uddhaba Chandra Majhi, proposed the vote of thanks. Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena and Development Commissioner Cum Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, among other dignitaries were present at the programme.
