Naveen skips Modi’s official programme; opens 5-day farmers’ meet      

Bhubaneswar: Once again, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official programme in Odisha and attended the inaugural ceremony of five-day Krushi Odisha Sammilani, an annual farmers’ convention at Baramunda Ground here today.

The ruling BJD organised the parallel event to counter PM Modi’s second visit to the State this year in less than two weeks ahead of the general elections.

Addressing the gathering, the CM highlighted various benefits of the recently-launched KALIA scheme for farmers.

“KALIA is an ideal scheme for farmers of the entire nation. I will be happy if farmers utilize the monetary assistance provided under the scheme and thereby increase their income,” said Patnaik.

He further said with the support of farmers, Odisha has been awarded with Krishi Karman Award for five times. “In 2014, the Odisha Government has promised to irrigate 10 hectares of land. So far, 8 hectares of land has been provided with irrigation facility. We will achieve the target by April this year,” the CM added.

Earlier on January 5, the CM had skipped the PM’s official programme at Baripada and attended a State-level convention of women SHGs, where he announced to provide loan to the SHGs with zero per cent interest under Mission Shakti programme. However, he had joined PM Modi in a programme at Argul in Jatni during the latter’s visit to the State on December 24.

The Krushi Odisha Sammilani aims at sensitising farmers about digitalistaion and use of advance technologies in agriculture sector, said an official on the occasion. Hundreds of farmers from several districts across the State have participated in the event.