Finance
At the Janata Maidan on Friday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik officially launched the “Krushi Odisha-2024” initiative. During his speech, the Chief Minister advocated for increased female involvement in the agricultural industry. The program will be held for 3 days.
The Chief Minister expressed his happiness that this year’s “Krushi Odisha” program is devoted to the state’s female farmers while extending a warm greeting to all of the state’s farmers on this special occasion. It will honor the role that women have played in agriculture and promote their participation in this field.
According to the Chief Minister, it’s time for women to advance in the agricultural industry as well. They have a plethora of options in the agrobusiness sector. There are numerous schemes–Amara Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, Millet Mission, Coffee Mission etc. They were urged to utilize these programs by the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister declared that women’s empowerment is the most significant state government program, adding that it not only empowers a family but also the entire society. He claimed that women are now partners in all facets of development thanks to Mission Shakti.
The Chief Minister continued by saying that he has always placed a strong emphasis on the advancement of agriculture and farmer welfare. He said that the KALIA Scholarship program has been broadened while praising the KALIA Yojana as an excellent program for farmers. He added that more kids from farming families would be eligible for scholarships as a result.
Welcoming the agricultural scientists and experts present on the occasion, he said that they have an important role in the growth of the agricultural sector in the state. The Chief Minister welcomed their views and suggestions for the improvement of agriculture and the welfare of farmers.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the new campus of IMAGE and Krushi Udyog Bhawan. It is worth noting that this campus is being established in Siripur. The campus, which is being built at an investment of Rs 113 crore, will serve as a Center of Excellence in the field of agricultural extension. Similarly, Krushi Udyog Bhawan is being established at Nayapalli at an investment of Rs 28 crore. It will encourage farmers of the state in the field of agro industries.
The Chief Minister felicitated eminent agricultural scientist Dr Swati Nayak. This apart, 17 farmers were awarded under the Mukhyamantri Abhinaba Krushi Yantrapati Saman Yojana and 10 successful women farmers were felicitated.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister launched the ‘SAFAL’ portal of Odisha State Cooperative Bank’s Agricultural Loan Module. This will enable farmers to get crop loans quickly and conveniently.
The Chief Minister inaugurated an agricultural exhibition organized on the occasion.
Attending the program, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Ranendra Pratap Swain said that in 1999, the expenditure of the state government in the field of agriculture was only 4.66 percent of the state budget, while today it is 11 percent.
Due to this massive investment in agriculture, development has taken place in all sectors of the state today, he said.
He said that provision of Rs 100 crore has been made to promote women farmers in the field of agriculture.
During the program, Mission Shakti and Women and Child Development Minister Basanti Hembram stated that women have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry from the farm to the plate. Programs related to agriculture are encouraging women. He remarked that the women of Odisha have developed a distinct identity for themselves as a result of the Mission Shakti program.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, gave the welcoming speech and the director of agriculture and food production proposed the vote of gratitude throughout the program.
Senior officials, including Anu Garg, the Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, were present.
