Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday inaugurated the ‘Krushi Odisha-2024’ program at the Janata Maidan. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister called for more participation of women in the field of agriculture. The program will be held for 3 days.
Greeting the farmers of the entire state on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great joy that this year’s ‘Krushi Odisha’ program is dedicated to the women farmers of the state. It will recognize the contribution of women in agriculture and will encourage their involvement in this sector.
The Chief Minister said that today it is time for women to march ahead in the field of agriculture as well. There are many opportunities for them in the field of agro business. There are many schemes–Amara Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, Millet Mission, Coffee Mission etc. The Chief Minister appealed to them to take advantage of these schemes.
The Chief Minister stated that empowerment of women not only empowers a family, but the entire society, he added that their empowerment is the most important program of the state government. He said that through Mission Shakti, women have become partners in all aspects of development.
The Chief Minister further stated that he has always emphasized on the development of agriculture and the welfare of farmers. Declaring that KALIA Yojana is a very good scheme for farmers, he informed that the scope of KALIA Scholarship has been expanded. He said that by this more children of farming families can get scholarship.
Welcoming the agricultural scientists and experts present on the occasion, he said that they have an important role in the growth of the agricultural sector in the state. The Chief Minister welcomed their views and suggestions for the improvement of agriculture and the welfare of farmers.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the new campus of IMAGE and Krushi Udyog Bhawan. It is worth noting that this campus is being established in Siripur. The campus, which is being built at an investment of Rs 113 crore, will serve as a Center of Excellence in the field of agricultural extension. Similarly, Krushi Udyog Bhawan is being established at Nayapalli at an investment of Rs 28 crore. It will encourage farmers of the state in the field of agro industries.
The Chief Minister felicitated eminent agricultural scientist Dr Swati Nayak. This apart, 17 farmers were awarded under the Mukhyamantri Abhinaba Krushi Yantrapati Saman Yojana and 10 successful women farmers were felicitated.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister launched the ‘SAFAL’ portal of Odisha State Cooperative Bank’s Agricultural Loan Module. This will enable farmers to get crop loans quickly and conveniently.
The Chief Minister inaugurated an agricultural exhibition organized on the occasion.
Attending the program, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Ranendra Pratap Swain said that in 1999, the expenditure of the state government in the field of agriculture was only 4.66 percent of the state budget, while today it is 11 percent.
Due to this massive investment in agriculture, development has taken place in all sectors of the state today, he said.
He said that provision of Rs 100 crore has been made to promote women farmers in the field of agriculture.
Basanti Hembram, Minister of Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti, participating in the program, said that women have made a strong contribution in the agricultural sector, from farm to plate. Women are being encouraged in agricultural programmes. He said that due to the Mission Shakti programme the women of Odisha have created a unique identity for themselves.
In the program, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee delivered the welcome address and Director of Agriculture and Food Production proposed the vote of thanks.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg and other senior officials were present.
