Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday inaugurated the Paschim Odisha Krushi Mela 2023.
Speaking on the occasion, Patnaik emphasized on farm mechanization and said that it is the need of the hour.
It is a great opportunity for farmers, he said while adding that they will learn about new tools and technologies for agricultural development. Patnaik said that the state government is fully committed to the overall development of the farming community and it’s a top priority for the government.
The State government’s Kalia, Balarama scheme, and Millet Mission are framed to achieve this very objective, he added. He also appreciated the effort of farmers and said that due to their valuable contribution, Odisha has been conferred with many awards nationally at regular intervals.
Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Ranendra Pratap Swain said that, Odisha has a focused approach towards agriculture.
“During last 20 years the State has achieved exemplary success in production enhancement. We are nearer to self-sufficient in fish, livestock and egg production. Food grain production has increased from 55.35 lakh metric tonne in 2000-01 to 130.29 lakh metric tonne by 2020-21, a increase of 160 percent,” Swain said.
Similarly, oilseed production has increased 58 percent, pulses 66 percent and vegetable production increased by 67 percent. Fish production increased to 9 lakh 90 thousand metric tonne in last 20 years, he added.
Odisha is now fourth largest fish producer of the country, he further said.
State government has implemented projects worth Rs 200Cr to mitigate the impact of flood in agriculture land. Western Odisha is the largest beneficiary of this program, he added.
Chairman of Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) Asit Kumar Tripathy said, “we have prepared a plan to organize Krushak Mela at different parts of the State. As per the instruction of Chief Minister the first mela has organized in Sambalpur. Agriculture sector contributes 20 percent to our economy. More than half of population depends on agriculture. Government has committed to increase the income of farmers. Our farmers need to focus more commercialization and market linkage of their products. They also need to embrace entrepreneurship. Many youth of farming community have shown interest to start business. Government is giving 75 percent subsidy on machines”. He urged farmers to take advantage of the scheme.
Among other dignitaries present on the occasion are Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Director of Agriculture and Food Production; Ananya Das, Collector & DM, Sambalpur; Kishore Chandra Nayak, MLA, Kuchinda; Kumudini Nayak, President ZP, Sambalpur and other industry leaders & farmers.
The five-day exhibition will showcase, live demonstrations of the latest trends & innovations in the agri-business space, processing industry, market linkages and Agri-preneurs, farm-innovators etc.
Agriculture minister Swain today handed over keys of combine harvester, Tractor and Mudhi Making machine to the progressive farmers using direct benefit transfer (DBT) system.
During the five days, seminars will have plenary sessions on Revitalizing Rice Based Cropping System, Enhancing farmer’s income through horticultural intervention, Climate Resilient Agriculture, Agri Export Promotion, Income Enhancement Through Fisheries activities, Income Enhancement Through Livestock Activities, Agribusiness – Flourishing Agri enterprise.
For the training of the farmers on various subjects like Participation of Women in Farm Mechanization Sector, Fish Farming through Cage Culture & Biofloc, Integrated Farming Systems, International Year of Millets; Opportunities & Benefits of Growing Millets, Off-season Vegetable Cultivation and exotic Fruits Cultivation: Problems and Prospects, Micro Irrigation & Protected Cultivation: Benefits & Challenges.
The Paschim Odisha Krushi Mela will continue till January 31 at PHD Ground, Sambalpur.
