Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister KV Singh Deo informed the State Assembly that the government has implemented various measures to increase farmers’ income. Citing National Statistical Office data, Singh Deo stated that the average monthly income of farmer families in Odisha has risen from Rs 1062 in 2002-03 to Rs 5112 in 2018-19.
He said that the National Statistical Office estimates the average income of farmers. The monthly income of farmer families was estimated in the 59th (2002-03), 70th (2012-2013) and 77th (2018-19) cycles of the National Sample Survey.
As per the 59th survey, the monthly income of farmers in our state was Rs 1062 while it rose to Rs 4976 in 70th survey. Similarly, the figure went up to Rs 5,112 in 77th national sample survey conducted by the NSO, the Minister stated.
To further enhance farmers’ income, the government has taken several measures including—
– a separate agriculture budget since 2013-14
– an Agriculture Cabinet for swift decision-making
– various schemes to boost production and productivity
The government has promoted balanced plant nutrient management and advanced agricultural inputs and provided concessions on agricultural implements and irrigation systems. It has encouraged post-harvest care, valuation, and marketing of products and offered training and demonstration areas for advanced agricultural techniques.
The government has implemented crop insurance and disaster management measures and utilized technology for transparency and excellence in agriculture.
Additionally, the government has initiated programs like CM Kisan Yojana, providing financial assistance to small and nomadic farmers, and scholarships for their children. Farmers are being organized into “Farmer Production Groups” and “Self Help Groups” to enhance marketing and income.
A scheme has also been launched to empower women in agriculture, aiming to double the cultivation of mushrooms and make the state self-reliant in mushroom and safflower production, ensuring sustainable income generation for women self-help groups.
