Odisha CM releases Rs 877 crore KALIA assistance to over 43 lakh farmers on Utkala Dibasa

Bhubaneswar: On the auspicious occasion Utkala Dibasa, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today disbursed monetary assistance to farmers under KALIA scheme.

The financial assistance has been provided for agriculture in Kharif season, a press release from Chief Minister’s Office stated today.

Except poll-bound district Jharsuguda, the farmers of other districts have been given KALIA money.

The CM released total Rs 877 crore under the scheme benefitting more than 43 lakh agricultural households in the state.

Extending best wishes to farmers on Utkala Dibasa (Odisha Day), Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “state’s development is linked with welfare of farmers. ‘Therefore, we started the new financial year by providing KALIA assistance on this auspicious day.”

Stating that Odisha is self-reliant in the production of food grains today, it is able to provide food to the country’s food reserves. He gave the credit of this glory to lakhs of farmers of the state.

He said that the state government has taken many steps for development of agriculture. He advised the farmers to use more machines and modern equipment in agriculture. He said that the government is implementing several grain-based mission to increase the production of nutritious food in the state and improve farmers’ income. He advised farmers to focus on crop diversification.

Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Fisheries & ARD Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain said that the Kalia Yojana has made the farmers self-reliant. Farmers’ morale has improved with relief from farm loans.

Many farmers from different districts including Malkangiri, Puri and Bargarh also gave their views on KALIA assistance and the changes it has brought to their lives.

Kiran Kumar Sahu, who received the scholarship from Kukudakhandi block of Ganjam district, described how he got the opportunity to get enrolled into medical studies at MKCG Medicial College and Hospital in Berhampur.

Odisha 5T Secretary VK Pandian conducted the programme. KALIA scheme’s advisors, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena and Development Commissioner Anu Garg were among the official present at the event.