Bhubaneswar: Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain chaired a review meeting on Wednesday to assess the progress of various schemes and initiatives aimed at boosting the agricultural sector in Odisha. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Director Agriculture & Food Production Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Chief District Agriculture Officers (CDAOs) and other officials.
During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the district-wise achievements and unspent funds of various schemes up to FY 2022-23. He also evaluated the department’s stock of short-duration paddy seeds for distribution to farmers during exigencies, such as floods. To encourage high-performing CDAOs, the Minister asked the Principal Secretary to commend them.
He also suggested to conduct enforcement drives in all districts to check black marketing of agricultural inputs by dealers, revoke licenses of violators, and slap criminal charges against them. Letters must be written to all district Collectors in this regard.
According to Principal Secretary, Odisha is emerging as a leading state in the farm mechanization sector and is also focusing on promoting agri-entrepreneurship. He emphasized the importance of having the right inputs in agriculture and asked CDAOs to ensure their availability. Citing Odisha’s position as the fourth largest rice supplier to the central pool, he also encouraged crop diversification and agricultural exports.
Director Agriculture mentioned during the meeting that the department is focusing on doubling farmers’ income. He asked the CDAOs to facilitate ten farmers in each block under the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyoga Yojana (MKUY). In line with the International Year of Millets, he urged the CDAOs to meet block-level SHGs and distribute the required implements under Odisha Millets Mission. Additionally, he directed them to promote Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) among Farm Pond beneficiaries. 
The review meeting highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting agriculture and boosting the income of farmers in Odisha. Through initiatives like farm mechanization, crop diversification, MKUY and Millets Mission, the state is taking steps to ensure sustainable growth in the agricultural sector while also promoting agri-entrepreneurship and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
