Finance
On the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik distributed aid to 44,56,000 farmer families through the KALIA (Krushak aid for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme. Patnaik provided the support at a video-conferenced function. This aid was provided for the Rabi crop.
According to an official news release, Rs 2,000 has been transferred to each farmer’s family’s bank account.
While 43,88,000 of these beneficiaries are small and marginal farmers, 68,750 are landless farmer households.
The Chief Minister said farmers are our pride as he sent Nuakhai greetings to everyone at a gathering held on the occasion. He stated that he wants his state’s farmers to be proud and self-confident. Farmers should be included in sharing the fruits of development, he added.
According to the Chief Minister, as of today, Rs 12,500 crore has been given to farmer households in the state through the KALIA initiative.
He expressed his desire for youngsters from farming families to pursue careers like as doctors and engineers. They can bring honor to their family and the entire state by doing so.
It is worth noting that the State government offers KALIA Scholarships to the offspring of KALIA recipients.
The Chief Minister stated that the State government is paying crop insurance premiums for farmers’ benefit. More than 22 lakh farmers have already registered for crop insurance this year.
The Chief Minister further noted that the State government has launched numerous agricultural projects, also the Chief Minister stated that farmers should take the benefit of these schemes and make Odisha prosperous in the field of agriculture.
Notably, the government is directly assisting small and marginal farmers in procuring agricultural seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, and farm equipment. This eliminates the prospect of them being in debt.
In addition, landless farmers are receiving income aid for raising goats, poultry, and ducks, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and other activities.
Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain stated on the occasion that the Chief Minister’s foresight is driving the implementation of numerous programmes for agricultural development in the State.
Swain said that the KALIA system is unique among these, and as a result, farmers are not reliant on private bankers and money lenders in the communities. Farmers’ confidence has increased as a result of this. In the last four years, the State has continuously achieved record production, he added.
Swain pointed out that the State government has been practicing gender budgeting for the past few years, ensuring that a significant portion, at least 30-35 percent, of the funds allocated to this program is directed towards women.
Several KALIA beneficiaries spoke about their experiences on this occasion. Rani Sahu, a student at IGIT Saranga in Dhenkanal, stated that she is able to study engineering due of the KALIA Scholarship; otherwise, her desire would have gone unfulfilled, and her father would have taken out a loan. She offered her appreciation to the Chief Minister.
Similarly, Balangir farmer Binod Pradhan, Nabarangpur farmer Lachama Bhatra, and Balasore farmer Giridhari Giri thanked the Chief Minister from the bottom of their hearts for KALIA help. They stated that it is due to KALIA assistance they are not taking loans. They all prayed for the Chief Minister’s good health and long life.
VK Pandian, Secretary to the CM (5T), hosted the programme.
The presentation featured Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Cooperation Secretary Arvind Agarwal, and other top officers. Through video conferencing, officers and beneficiaries from many districts were linked to the initiative.
Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, presented the welcoming address, while Prem Chandra Choudhary, Director of Agriculture, addressed the vote of thanks.
Source:OCN
