Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi underscored the importance of sustainable food systems while inaugurating the three-day Krushi Odisha-2025 event at the Biju Patnaik Ground, Baramunda here on Friday.
“If our food system is sustainable, then our people will not face food shortages, nor will there be any adverse impact on the environment,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a balance between agricultural progress and environmental preservation.
The Chief Minister assured farmers of continued support in the wake of unseasonal rains that caused significant crop damage. Farmers whose crops suffered over 33% damage will receive input subsidies totaling ₹291.59 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has already begun through direct benefit transfers (DBT).
Majhi also highlighted initiatives such as the Balabhadra Jaibika Chasa Mission, which promotes chemical-free farming in Daringbadi and Malkangiri districts, and the Mruttika Swasthya Mission, aimed at improving soil health.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of a sustainable food system, stating that agriculture is not only about crop production but also about preserving soil, water, air, and other natural resources.
He called for collaborative efforts to make Odisha a prosperous state and a growth engine for a developed India.
Highlighting the state’s success stories, Majhi referred to the Kalahandi Sabji Kranti (vegetable revolution), which was recently praised by the Prime Minister in his “Mann Ki Baat” program.
He applauded farmer producer groups for their contributions to economic growth and reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in agriculture by 2036 and contributing to India’s growth by 2047.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized the government’s resolve to support farmers by providing an additional ₹800 per quintal as input subsidy, atop the ₹2,300 per quintal minimum support price for paddy.
He noted that 58 cold storages are being established across the state to address storage challenges and urged farmers to diversify their crops and adopt modern farming techniques.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted Odisha’s leadership in supporting farmers, noting that the state offers the highest minimum support price for paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal.
He stated that the government promptly assesses damages after natural disasters and ensures timely compensation, reiterating the goal of making Odisha self-reliant in agriculture by 2036.
The event also saw the felicitation of 10 successful farmers and nine horticultural farmers for their contributions. The Agriculture Department’s ‘Amal Utkal’ book and the IMAGE department’s official website were launched, while an exhibition showcasing agricultural advancements was inaugurated by the Chief Minister.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to agricultural development, stating that empowering farmers is key to strengthening the economy.
Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, in his welcome address, shared that over 10,000 farmers, agricultural scientists, self-help group members, and representatives of agricultural organizations attended the event, demonstrating a collective effort toward advancing the sector.
Director of Agriculture and Food Production, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, proposed the vote of thanks in the program.
