Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi distributed the 20th instalment of PM Kisan benefits to farmers in Odisha today. The state-level programme was organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment. During the event, the Chief Minister handed over the financial assistance to the farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi simultaneously distributed PM Kisan benefits to 9.7 crore farmers across the country, amounting to ₹20,000 crore, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The PM Kisan scheme provides financial support to farmers, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 2,000 per instalment. The scheme aims to support farmers and improve their livelihoods.
Majhi distributed the instalment of PM Kisan benefits to approximately 34.85 lakh farmers in Odisha, amounting to Rs 697 crore. The event was held at ICAR-CIFA in Bhubaneswar.
During the programme, the Chief Minister said that the government is for the people and the farmers. He highlighted that the government has implemented several schemes for farmers in just one year, and they are already benefiting from them.
The Chief Minister mentioned that over 50 lakh farmers in Odisha receive Rs 4,000 per year under the CM Kisan scheme. Combining PM Kisan and CM Kisan, farmers receive Rs 10,000 per year, which is a matter of joy for the government.
“The 20th instalment of the PM Kisan scheme is being released for the period of April to July this year. The amount is being directly transferred to the bank accounts of farmers, ensuring transparency and efficiency through the use of technology. This scheme benefits all farmers, regardless of their landholding size, including small, medium, and large farmers. Even farmers in urban areas are included in the scheme. Today marks the celebration of ‘PM Kisan Diwas’ across the country and states. The day is being observed in all districts, blocks, and panchayats, raising awareness about the eligibility criteria for the scheme among farmers”, maintained CM Majhi.
The Chief Minister emphasised that his goal is to include all eligible farmers in the PM Kisan scheme. He announced that Saturation Drives have been conducted in all blocks to ensure that no eligible farmer is left out. He urged farmers to diversify their crops and adopt profitable farming practices such as fisheries and animal husbandry. This, he said, would not only increase their income but also improve their economic status.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the PM Kisan scheme, which provides direct financial support to farmers. He encouraged farmers to make the most of this scheme and other initiatives launched by the Prime Minister.
The Chief Minister highlighted that over 50 lakh farmers in Odisha receive Rs 4,000 per year under the CM Kisan scheme. When combined with the PM Kisan scheme, farmers receive a total of Rs 10,000 per year.
Under the Samruddha Krushak Yojana, farmers receive an additional Rs 800 per quintal of paddy as input subsidy. Last year, approximately 17 lakh farmers received around Rs 6,000 crore in assistance during the Kharif season. Similarly, over 3 lakh farmers received over Rs 1,600 crore during the Rabi season.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the Prime Minister’s guidance is a source of inspiration for all. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s affection and care for Odisha and his efforts to make India a developed nation. The Chief Minister urged everyone to join hands in building a prosperous Odisha and a developed India. He said that the government’s efforts are aimed at doubling farmers’ income and improving their livelihoods.
The Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, mentioned that Odisha has received the Agriculture Leadership Award. He said that Rs 697 crore is being distributed to 34,85,881 farmers, which will help them purchase seeds and fertilisers.
The Deputy Chief Minister encouraged farmers to adopt alternate crops, conserve soil, and practice organic farming to improve their health and earnings. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to increase farmers’ income by fixing the procurement price of paddy at ₹3,100.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Khordha MLA Prasanta Kumar Jagadev, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Pravat Kumar Roul,
Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Suresh Kumar Vashishth, ICAR Deputy Director General Dr JK Jena, Director of ICAR-CIFA Dr PK Sahu, Horticulture Director Subrat Kumar Panda, Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj and Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida.
Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, delivered the welcome address, while Pipili MLA delivered the vote of thanks.
