Ahead of Nuakhai, CM Disburses ₹1,041 Crore to 51 Lakh Farmers
On the eve of Nuakhai, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi disbursed ₹1,041 crore via DBT under CM-Kisan to 51 lakh farmers. Key initiatives on agri-entrepreneurship, climate-smart farming, and scholarships were also unveiled.
Bhubaneswar – On the occasion of Nuakhai festival, the Odisha Government has made a historic announcement for the farmers of the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, under the third installment of the CM-Kisan Scheme, transferred ₹1,041 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 51 lakh small, marginal, and landless farmers. This fund pertains to the Rabi 2025-26 season and was disbursed transparently through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
CM’s Statement
Speaking on the occasion, CM Majhi said: “Farmers are the backbone of the state, and their welfare is our biggest investment sector. Agriculture is the foundation for industry, employment, and social progress.” He added that under the CM-Kisan Scheme, a farmer receives up to ₹38,000 annually, and along with PM-Kisan and the state’s “Subhadra” scheme, the total direct benefit may reach up to ₹58,000 per farmer.
Grain Procurement and MSP
Under the Samruddha Krushak Yojana, rice farmers were assured an MSP of ₹3,100 per quintal. As a result, a record 9.26 million tonnes of grain was procured in 2024-25, with participation from over 18 lakh farmers. This not only increased food grain availability but also boosted rural cash flow and strengthened the economy.
Alternative Livelihood for Landless
The government announced a subsidy package of ₹12,500 in three installments for landless and small farmers, encouraging activities like goat rearing, poultry, duck farming, mushroom cultivation, and beekeeping. This initiative creates rural employment and enhances household income.
Promotion of Agri-Entrepreneurship
Young farmers can avail subsidies up to ₹1 crore under the CM Agri-Entrepreneurship Scheme. In FY 2024-25 alone, 1,406 projects received ₹188.34 crore, covering sectors such as agro-processing, dairy, fisheries, cold storage, and organic farming.
Climate Change Adaptation
To tackle climate change challenges, the government decided to promote crop diversification, climate-resilient technologies, and strengthen PM Fasal Bima Yojana. A potato self-sufficiency program has also been launched with participation from over 1 lakh farmers across 3,115 clusters.
Education and Scholarships
To support higher education for children of farmers, ₹53.69 crore worth of agricultural scholarships were sanctioned. Beneficiaries include students pursuing studies in IIT, NIT, IIM, AIIMS, and ICAR institutions.
Other Announcements
Deputy CM K. V. Singh Deo and Fisheries & Animal Husbandry Minister Gokulananda Mallik praised the welfare schemes, highlighting initiatives like the “Kamdhenu Scheme,” which has strengthened the dairy sector.
Future Vision
The government is now focusing on digital farming, modernization of irrigation projects, promotion of organic farming, and establishing an ‘E-Mandi’ platform to connect farmers directly with markets. Experts believe these initiatives will not only strengthen agriculture but also make the rural economy more sustainable and resilient.
