The Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday approved an expenditure demand proposal of Rs 15,039.89 crore for the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department for the financial year 2026-27.
While replying to the debate, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo claimed that no farmer in the state has committed suicide in the last two years. He asserted that farmers across Odisha are happy and satisfied due to the pro-farmer initiatives of the government.
“The previous government could not provide adequate compensation during adverse weather or deliver on promised bonuses. But after the new government came to power, every step taken for farmers’ welfare has made the entire farming community happy,” the Deputy CM said.
Record Agricultural Performance
According to the 2025-26 Advance Estimate, Odisha’s agriculture sector registered a growth rate of 5.3%, comfortably surpassing the national average of 3.1%. The state achieved all-time high foodgrain production of over 150 lakh metric tonnes and horticulture production exceeding 156 lakh metric tonnes. Since May 2024, Odisha has exported 155.6 MT of fruits and vegetables to 10 countries — UK, France, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, UAE and Qatar.
Key Schemes and New Initiatives
- Samrudha Krushak Yojana: Paddy is being procured at ₹3,100 per quintal (Minimum Support Price + input assistance). The scheme has already benefited lakhs of farmers.
- PM-KISAN: On March 13, 2026, 34.24 lakh beneficiaries received the 22nd instalment.
- Cold Storage Scheme: Work orders worth ₹83.17 crore have been issued to 10 entrepreneurs for creating 29,785 MT capacity. ₹63 crore has been earmarked for 2026-27.
- Organic Farming & Amruta Anna Initiative: The government is aggressively promoting chemical-free and organic agriculture. Under the “Amruta Anna” programme, aromatic organic rice is being cultivated for Kotha Bhoga and Mahaprasad at Shree Jagannath Temple. In Kharif 2025, 164 hectares of aromatic organic rice were grown in four districts (Cuttack, Khordha, Koraput and Bargarh). In Bargarh, 50 hectares of moong has been taken up for temple use, while 36 hectares of rice cultivation is planned in Koraput for Rabi 2025-26. ₹28.49 crore has been allocated for the Odisha Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission.
- Potato Self-Sufficiency: To end dependence on other states, the government has launched a special drive to make Odisha self-reliant in potato production.
- Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): The state now has 1,791 active FPOs with nearly 9 lakh farmer members, placing Odisha among the leading FPO states in India. An agreement was signed on March 19, 2026, with WASSAN for the development of neglected and underutilised crops.
Major budgetary provisions have also been made for farm mechanisation, CM-KISAN (including urban and landless farmers), Shree Anna Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, coffee plantations in tribal districts, new agricultural colleges, and comprehensive rice-fallow management — India’s largest regenerative agriculture programme.
During the discussion, MLAs from both BJD and Congress walked out of the House protesting over the SCB issue. Several MLAs from different parties, including suspended BJD MLA Aravind Mohapatra and BJP MLAs, participated in the debate.
The State Government reiterated its commitment to making Odisha’s agriculture sector climate-resilient, farmer-friendly and women-friendly while strengthening the rural economy through agro-entrepreneurship and employment generation.
