The Odisha State Cooperative Bank (OSCB) and UCO Bank, Odisha unit (SLBC Convenor for Odisha), have been awarded for their outstanding performance in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in the state.
The recognition was announced at the 13th National Review Conference of PMFBY held in Bengaluru on January 18–19.
OSCB secured First Prize in the Large State – Cooperative Bank category, while UCO Bank received Third Prize in the SLBC category.
During Kharif 2024, Odisha recorded a total enrolment of 22.41 lakh farmers under PMFBY. Of these, OSCB and UCO Bank together enrolled more than 15 lakh farmers, covering both loanee and non-loanee categories. Similarly, in Rabi 2024–25, the two banks enrolled over 1 lakh farmers out of the state’s total 1.81 lakh enrolments.
The awards were formally handed over today by Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department. The ceremony was attended by Director, Agriculture & Food Production Shri Subham Saxena, Additional Director Smt Litty Pattanayak, Joint Secretary, Cooperation Department Sri Sangram Rout, CGM, UCO Bank Shri Gautam Patra, SLBC In-Charge Shri Lingaraj Nayak, and senior officers, including the Crop Insurance team.
Dr. Padhee said the recognition reflects the effective implementation of PMFBY in Odisha through strong convergence between the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department and the Cooperation Department. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also holds the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy portfolios, congratulated both departments for their achievement.
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