Odisha CM urges farmers to embrace crop diversification for profitable farming
Bhubaneswar, Aug 2 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today urged farmers across the state to accelerate crop diversification for more profitable farming practices.
Addressing a state-level event organised by the Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment Department at ICAR-SIFA on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Majhi emphasised the benefits of engaging in allied agricultural activities such as fish farming and animal husbandry.
“Such practices will not only increase yield but also significantly boost farmers’ incomes,” he said.
The Chief Minister distributed the 20th instalment of financial assistance under the PM-Kisan Yojana, disbursing Rs.. 2,000 each to 34.85 lakh eligible farmers in the state.
“Today, we are celebrating this occasion as PM-Kisan Diwas across all districts, blocks, and panchayats of Odisha,” he announced.
Majhi reiterated his commitment to ensuring the inclusion of all eligible farmers under the PM-Kisan scheme.
“Special programs have been conducted in all blocks of the state to guarantee that no deserving farmer is left out,” he added.
Highlighting other government initiatives, Majhi mentioned that under the Samriddha Kisan Yojana, farmers are being provided an additional input assistance of Rs.. 800 per quintal of paddy.
“Last year, we extended assistance worth approximately Rs.6,000 crore to about 17 lakh farmers during the Kharif season. Similarly, over Rs.. 1,600 crore was disbursed to more than 3 lakh farmers during the Rabi season,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister K. V. Singh Deo also addressed the gathering, urging farmers to move away from paddy cultivation and adopt alternate and organic farming practices.
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