Bhubaneswar: There was a time post-1999 super cyclone when Odisha was dependent on other States for relief material including food grains. Today after two decades, Odisha has evolved as a self-sufficient State which boasts of one of the most efficient public distribution network in India. The credit of this achievement goes to farmers of Odisha, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today.
On Thursday, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department of Government of Odisha was brought under the coverage of ‘Mo Sarkar’ programme. Addressing a meeting at the Lok Seva Bhawan on this occasion Naveen said, over the years, agriculture sector of Odisha has performed exceedingly well, a testimony to the fact being five consecutive ‘Krushi Karman’ awards for the State at the National level.
“Farmers and farming has been the focus area of Odisha government. Inclusion of the department under Mo Sarkar programme will empower our farmers even more. This is a very important step towards the holistic development of agriculture sector in Odisha.”
In his message to the officials of the Department, Naveen said, the administrative machinery should dedicate itself for the improvement and welfare of farming and farmers. To ensure facilitation of government schemes to farmers at east will be the priority of Mo Sarkar. Naveen said that he would personally telephone farmers and take a feeback on whether they are conveniently availing the government schemes or if they are facing any issues.
If the feedback from farmers is good, then the officials will get a letter of recommendation and if the feedback is negative, strict action will be initiated agasint them, the CM said. Agriculture Minister, Arun Sahu, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Department, Saurabh Garg and 5T Secretary VK Pandian were present on the occasion.