Bhubaneswar: On the eve of Akshaya Tritya, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that Rs 920 crore has been deposited in the bank accounts of 42 lakh farmers in the state under the Kalia Yojana for Kharif 2021.
On the auspicious occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the farmer brothers and sisters and hoped that the assistance amount under the Kalia Yojana, will benefit farmers of all categories in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the Kalia scheme is the best farmers’ scheme in the country. The scheme has also helped alleviate the debt burden of farmers and brought smiles to the faces.
The Chief Minister praised the sacrifices made by the farmers’ community and said: “Farmers are our pride and glory. There is no comparison between the sacrifices of the farmers for the country and the society.
Highly praising the sacrifices made by the farmers, the Chief Minister said: “Farmers in my state should stay well. May his income increase and his family prosper. I am working toward their betterment and will continue to do so.”
Further raising awareness of COVID-19, the Odisha CM said: “We are now facing the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown is underway to control the infection. But there is no lockdown for the agricultural sector. So farmers can continue to the agricultural works by following Covid guidelines.
He also encouraged the farmers to avail various agricultural development schemes introduced by the state government for their benefit.
The Odisha Chief Minister also prayed to Lord Jagannath for good weather, good crops, and the prosperity of the farming families for the current year.
The Kalia Yojana is the state government’s flagship agricultural welfare scheme. The scheme benefits lakhs of small, marginal, and landless farming families.
With the assistance, the landless farmer buys agricultural goods and invests in raising goats, chickens, and ducks, etc., to increase his family’s livelihood.
Minister of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment and Higher Education, Arun Kumar Sahu, highlighted how the Kalia Yojana has been beneficial for farming families during the COVID period.
Western Odisha Development Council Chairman, Chief Adviser to the Chief Minister’s Office, Chief Secretary, and senior officials were present during the event.