Odisha transfers ₹1025 crore to 51 lakh farmers’ account on Akshaya Tritiya

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participates in the state-level Farmers’ Day and Akshaya Tritiya, at the Agricultural Educational Farm of OUAT in Bhubaneswar.
| Photo Credit: ANI

The Mohan Majhi Government has transferred ₹1025 crore to bank accounts of 51 lakh farmers under Chief Minister Kisan Yojna on occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Wednesday (April 30, 2025).

At a State-level celebration of Akshaya Tritiya, marking the beginning of the new crop season, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the transfer of financial assistance to 50,16,938 small and marginal farmers, 49,482 landless families, and 2,382 tribal farmer families for the 2025 crop season. For the first time, the scheme will also cover 25,532 urban farmers. “This advance support will help farmers begin cultivation on time,” said the Odisha CM.

Reflecting on the broader national progress in agriculture, Mr. Majhi said the country, once unable to feed its population of 33 crore, is now self-sufficient in foodgrain and agri-produce, and has even emerged as an exporter. He credited this transformation to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, saying agriculture and farmer welfare have gained new direction and vision under his tenure.

“There has been unprecedented growth under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and various agricultural infrastructure initiatives,” he noted.

Highlighting the importance of agriculture to Odisha’s economy, the Chief Minister pointed out that over 60% of the State’s population depends on agriculture and allied activities, contributing 22% to the State’s overall growth.

Commending the resilience and hard work of Odisha’s farmers, Mr. Majhi said they had played a key role in transforming the state from grain-deficient to grain-surplus. He also urged them to adopt climate-resilient farming practices to secure long-term sustainability.

Taking a dig at the previous government, Mr. Majhi said, “unlike the earlier regime that merely passed a resolution in the Assembly on Minimum Support Price, our government has acted. We fulfilled our promise and delivered an MSP of ₹3,100 per quintal for paddy. What was lacking then was willpower. Today, we have the will to work for farmers’ welfare.”

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister announced that the government has set a target to bring 15 lakh hectares under irrigation in the next five years, with an investment of around ₹1,00,000 crore. He also said steps are being taken to establish a cold storage facility in every subdivision to reduce post-harvest losses.