Odisha to lead India’s blue revolution with first integrated Aqua park: CM Majhi
Bhubaneswar, Oct 11 (UNI)Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today announced that the state will soon emerge as a frontrunner in India’s Blue Revolution, with the construction of Eastern India’s first Integrated Aqua Park at Hirakud in Sambalpur district.
The Aqua Park, to be developed over 95.47 acres of government land at a cost of Rs 100 crore, is expected to be completed by January 2027. It will transform Sambalpur into a Centre of Excellence in Modern Aquaculture, Majhi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Aqua Park at Basantpur, Sambalpur, along with a Rs.. 60-crore modern wholesale fish market at Pandara, Bhubaneswar, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Addressing the state-level launch ceremony of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulse Crops, Majhi said the new initiatives would empower farmers and promote self-reliance.
The PMDDKY was launched in 100 districts across India, including Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Sundargarh, and Nuapada in Odisha. Over the next six years, the scheme will involve an annual expenditure of R.24,000 crore, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers nationwide.
Majhi said agriculture and allied sectors remain the primary livelihood source for over 60percent of Odisha’s population and nearly 50 per cent nationally.
The state government, he added, has introduced major policy reforms in these sectors, with Rs. 37,838 crore allocated for agricultural development in the 2025–26 Budget.
Under the Samruddha Krushak Yojana, farmers are assured of Rs. .3,100 per quintal as a combined benefit of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and input assistance.
Majhi expressed confidence that the PMDDKY would strengthen the rural economy, boost farmers’ income, and promote inclusive agricultural growth.
The Pandara Wholesale Fish Market Project in Bhubaneswar, estimated at Rs 59.13 crore, will be jointly implemented by the Fisheries Department and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Of the total cost, Rs.. 30 crore will come from the Central Government and Rs.. 29.13 crore from the State Government.
The market will directly benefit 143 traders, create over 2,000 indirect jobs, and cater to the fish demand of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. It is slated for completion by November 2027.
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister K. V. Singh Deo said that while India is already self-sufficient in rice, the focus must now shift toward self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, along with promoting the Blue Economy to enhance farmers’ income.
He also advocated organic farming for a healthier nation.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan described the schemes as path-breaking initiatives that will serve as models for comprehensive agricultural development in Odisha.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram attended the event virtually from Sundargarh, while Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pravat Kumar Raul, Cooperation Secretary Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj, and BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana were also present.
