In a major push to modernise agriculture and ease the burden on farmers, the Odisha Cabinet on Saturday approved the extension of the popular State Sector Scheme “Popularisation of Agricultural Implements, Equipment and Diesel Pump Sets etc.” for another five years.
The decision was taken at the 45th meeting of the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan. Of the 11 proposals cleared from six departments, this emerged as one of the key initiatives aimed at strengthening the backbone of the state’s rural economy.
Under the scheme, the government offers subsidies to help farmers purchase modern machinery such as tractors, rotavators, power tillers, combine harvesters and a range of other farm and post-harvest equipment. The goal is clear: boost operational efficiency, raise productivity, reduce physical drudgery and drive long-term sustainability in Odisha’s agriculture sector.
Between FY 2021-22 and FY 2025-26, the scheme has already transformed the lives of 2,54,774 farmers across the state, significantly expanding access to mechanised tools.
Recognising the continued need to build on these gains, the Cabinet has now greenlit the scheme’s continuation from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 with an estimated outlay of ₹2,200 crore. Officials expect the extended phase to benefit an additional 3,79,000 farmers.
“This is not just about machines—it’s about empowering farmers, making farming less labour-intensive and more profitable,” a senior official from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment noted.
The extension is expected to accelerate the modernisation of Odisha’s farmlands, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers who often struggle with the high cost of equipment. With diesel pump sets and post-harvest machinery also covered, the scheme promises end-to-end support—from field preparation to harvesting and beyond.
As Odisha continues its focus on agricultural transformation, this ₹2,200-crore commitment signals the state’s determination to place technology and efficiency at the heart of farming for the next half-decade.
