Finance
On Tuesday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the state-level Krushak Shakti Samabesh in Balangir district to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the BJP government there. The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering farmers by providing sophisticated technological, financial, and infrastructure support.
Addressing a big crowd, Majhi stated that the government has made real steps to fulfill its electoral promise of providing appropriate compensation for the hard work of Odisha’s farming community.
“Two ministers from Balangir are part of the government. With this, we now have not just a double-engine but a triple-engine government, accelerating the district’s development threefold,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister highlighted India’s global recognition for its unique agricultural practices, noting that more than 60% of Odisha’s population depends on agriculture and allied sectors. He stated that by May 2025, over 78,000 agricultural machines had been distributed and Rs 459.68 crore in subsidies released via DBT.
He also linked the state’s agricultural endeavors to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s objective of recognizing farmers as Annadata (food providers). “We aim to provide irrigation to 15 lakh hectares of unirrigated land in the next five years,” according to Majhi.
Majhi highlighted various schemes, including as the CM Kisan Yojana, which provides Rs 4,000 in cash help to each farmer, including those in urban areas. During Akshaya Tritiya, Rs 1,025 crore was handed to nearly 50 lakh small and marginal farmers, including 2,381 PVTG and 25,532 urban farmers.
He announced plans to combine the CM Kisan Yojana and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to increase financial coverage. The Krushi Vidya Nidhi Yojana provided scholarships for farmers’ children, and the Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission promoted organic farming.
Majhi stated that the Shree Anna Abhiyan is rehabilitating traditional grains and fostering nutrition-sensitive agriculture. As part of this effort, mandia millet ladoos are being supplied to all government school kids from nursery to Class 10.
The Chief Minister also announced the planned establishment of an agricultural college in Balangir and a fisheries college in Sonepur to improve agri-education and training.
Majhi closed by detailing his vision for a “prosperous Odisha by 2036,” which aligns with the national objective of a “developed India by 2047.” He claimed that agriculture and farmer development would be critical drivers in attaining both.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing agricultural budget allocations. “Odisha is now exporting fruits to the international market. “This demonstrates the success of our policies,” he stated.
Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling stressed the importance of local produce for public health and reaffirmed support for Balangir’s farmers. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik added, “To develop Odisha, we must first strengthen agriculture — the backbone of our economy.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated successful farmers and encouraged them to use contemporary technology to increase output. Dignitaries who attended included Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, Titilagarh MLA Nabin Kumar Jain, Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag, and Northern Region Revenue Commissioner Sachin Ramachandra Yadav.
Balangir MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo gave the welcoming address, while District Collector Gaurav Shivaji Isalwar offered the vote of gratitude.
