Bhubaneswar: Marking the completion of one year of the BJP government in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday addressed the state-level Krushak Shakti Samabesh in Balangir district. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through advanced technological, financial, and infrastructural support.
Addressing a large gathering, Majhi said the government has taken concrete steps to fulfill its electoral promise of ensuring fair value for the hard work of Odisha’s farming community.
“Two ministers from Balangir are part of the government. With this, we now have not just a double-engine but a triple-engine government, accelerating the district’s development threefold,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister highlighted India’s global recognition for its unique agricultural practices, noting that more than 60% of Odisha’s population depends on agriculture and allied sectors. He stated that by May 2025, over 78,000 agricultural machines had been distributed and Rs 459.68 crore in subsidies released via DBT.
He also aligned the state’s agricultural initiatives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of honoring farmers as Annadata (food providers). “We aim to provide irrigation to 15 lakh hectares of unirrigated land in the next five years,” Majhi added.
Majhi spotlighted various schemes such as the CM Kisan Yojana, under which Rs 4,000 in financial assistance is being provided to each farmer, including those in urban areas. On Akshaya Tritiya, Rs 1,025 crore was distributed to over 50 lakh small and marginal farmers, including 2,381 PVTG and 25,532 urban farmers.
He announced plans to integrate the CM Kisan Yojana with the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to enhance financial coverage. Scholarships for farmers’ children under the Krushi Vidya Nidhi Yojana and promotion of organic farming through the Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission were also emphasized.
Majhi said that under the Shree Anna Abhiyan, the government is reviving traditional grains and promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture. As part of this initiative, mandia millet ladoos are being distributed to students from nursery to Class 10 in all government schools.
The Chief Minister also announced the upcoming establishment of an agricultural college in Balangir and a fisheries college in Sonepur to boost agri-education and training.
Majhi concluded by outlining the vision for a “prosperous Odisha by 2036,” in alignment with the national goal of a “developed India by 2047.” He asserted that agriculture and farmer development would be key drivers in achieving both.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo underlined the government’s commitment to increasing budgetary allocation for agriculture. “Odisha is now exporting fruits to international markets. This reflects the success of our policies,” he said.
Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling stressed the importance of local produce for public health and reaffirmed support for Balangir’s farmers. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik added, “To develop Odisha, we must first strengthen agriculture — the backbone of our economy.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated successful farmers and urged them to embrace modern technology to improve productivity. Dignitaries present included Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, Titilagarh MLA Nabin Kumar Jain, Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag, and Northern Region Revenue Commissioner Sachin Ramachandra Yadav.
Balangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo delivered the welcome address and District Collector Gaurav Shivaji Isalwar proposed the vote of thanks.
