Bhubaneswar: 5T & Nabin Odisha Chairman V.K. Pandian, in a high-level meeting today, reviewed the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Maka Mission (MMM). He checked the progress of the programmes adopted to solve various problems of betel leaf, Kia Flower and Lemongrass farmers based on public grievance hearings.
The review revealed that encouraging progress has been observed in the field performance initiated for the Mukhyamantri Maka Mission with a 51 per cent increase in crop production. At the same time, the price of the Maize collection has also increased. By the end of November, 44,730 quintals of maize had been collected by the Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs).
It was decided in the meeting to continue the collection through the formation of more FPOs so that maize farmers can get fair prices. Also, a decision has been taken to involve more and more private traders so that the farmers get more value.
Along with this, it has been decided that steps will be taken to increase the capacity of FPO. ORMAS will also cooperate in the primary processing and marketing of maize.
It is worth noting that the target was to form 15 FPOs by the end of this year and 13 of them have already been formed. 4 FPOs have been formed for women only. In the first year of the mission, the target is to collect and market 20,000 metric tons of maize.
Mukhyamantri Maka Mission is being implemented in Nabarangpur, Koraput, Gajapati and Nuapada districts. Mission Shkati mothers are also participating in this mission along with the farmers.
Similarly, betel leaf, Kia flower and lemon grass farmers had drawn the attention of the 5T Chairman regarding their various problems during public grievance hearings.
Accordingly, the state government, with the approval of the Chief Minister, announced various programs for the welfare of betel leaf, kia flower, and lemongrass farmers.
The Chief Minister announced interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh for betel leaf farmers. Similarly, it was also announced to make a Kia Flower processing unit through APICOL. As there is a special interest in lemon grass farming in Koraput, it was decided to provide financial assistance of Rs. 84,000 under Horticulture Mission Plus and Rs. 16,000 under NHM, both amounting to Rs 1 lakh.
In today’s meeting, it was decided to start the distribution of assistance as announced by the Chief Minister before the 26th of January 2024.
Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister’s Office Suresh Kumar Mohapatra, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Ms Anu Garg, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Arabinda K Padhee and District Collectors of Nabarangpur, Ganjam, Puri and Koraput were present in the meeting.
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