Odisha transfers ₹1025 crore to 51 lakh farmers' account on Akshaya Tritiya
The Mohan Majhi Government has transferred ₹1025 crore to bank accounts of 51 lakh farmers under Chief Minister Kisan Yojna on occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Wednesday (April 30, 2025).
At a State-level celebration of Akshaya Tritiya, marking the beginning of the new crop season, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the transfer of financial assistance to 50,16,938 small and marginal farmers, 49,482 landless families, and 2,382 tribal farmer families for the 2025 crop season. For the first time, the scheme will also cover 25,532 urban farmers. 'This advance support will help farmers begin cultivation on time,' said the Odisha CM.
Reflecting on the broader national progress in agriculture, Mr. Majhi said the country, once unable to feed its population of 33 crore, is now self-sufficient in foodgrain and agri-produce, and has even emerged as an exporter. He credited this transformation to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, saying agriculture and farmer welfare have gained new direction and vision under his tenure.
'There has been unprecedented growth under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and various agricultural infrastructure initiatives,' he noted.
Highlighting the importance of agriculture to Odisha's economy, the Chief Minister pointed out that over 60% of the State's population depends on agriculture and allied activities, contributing 22% to the State's overall growth.
Commending the resilience and hard work of Odisha's farmers, Mr. Majhi said they had played a key role in transforming the state from grain-deficient to grain-surplus. He also urged them to adopt climate-resilient farming practices to secure long-term sustainability.
Taking a dig at the previous government, Mr. Majhi said, 'unlike the earlier regime that merely passed a resolution in the Assembly on Minimum Support Price, our government has acted. We fulfilled our promise and delivered an MSP of ₹3,100 per quintal for paddy. What was lacking then was willpower. Today, we have the will to work for farmers' welfare.'
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister announced that the government has set a target to bring 15 lakh hectares under irrigation in the next five years, with an investment of around ₹1,00,000 crore. He also said steps are being taken to establish a cold storage facility in every subdivision to reduce post-harvest losses.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
44 minutes ago
- News18
'Promises Fulfilled': Odisha CM Majhi On 1-Year Report Card, Patnaik Slams 'Development Rhetoric'
Last Updated: The BJP has claimed that its government has fulfilled half of the promises made in its manifesto, while the BJD countered this by saying mere rhetoric cannot lead to development A political tussle has erupted over the state government's one-year report card between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his predecessor, Naveen Patnaik. The BJP has claimed that the state government has fulfilled at least half of the promises made in its manifesto, while the BJD countered this by saying mere rhetoric cannot lead to development. Majhi presented a detailed report card highlighting the achievements of his government and outlined the roadmap for the future on Tuesday. He said the government has taken steps to fulfil 11 out of 21 promises as outlined in the 'Sankalp Patra' in the first 12 months in office. 'We have not simply governed, we have fulfilled the hopes of the people. Whatever we promised, we have delivered," Majhi said. 'My simplicity is not a weakness. There are many things behind my comments. Many secrets will be revealed in the future. Anyone involved in corruption will face stringent action. Recently, we have acted against IAS officers, mine owners, and contractors. Many senior officials are facing the consequences, with over 200 senior officials under scrutiny. Many big fish are in jail." He said the government is taking steps to investigate mining, chit fund scams, and various corruption cases. Officers have been tasked with collecting more information and the process of reorganising the Lokayukta has begun, he added. Expressing his gratitude for the BJP-led Centre's support for Odisha, Majhi further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Odisha on June 20. Listing some major initiatives, he said on June 12 last year, the state cabinet took four landmark decisions aimed at people-centric governance: opening all four gates of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri for devotees; launching the Subhadra Yojana for women empowerment; establishing a Rs 500 crore corpus fund for the temple's development; and providing an Rs 800 bonus per quintal for paddy to farmers. He added that around 17 lakh 'lakhpati didis' have been empowered through targeted women-centric schemes, fulfilling the government's vision of self-reliant rural households. Highlighting education as a major focus, the chief minister said the launch of 'Godavarish Mishra Adarsh Vidyalaya' in each panchayat and the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) will revolutionise teaching and learning. 'WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE' Former CM Naveen Patnaik, however, slammed the BJP government accusing it of focusing on long speeches and advertisements rather than real development. During the launch of the 'Jana Jagaran Abhiyan' at Sankha Bhawan, he questioned the state government's achievements. 'They call it a people's government. But where are the people? Long speeches and big advertisements alone cannot bring development," Patnaik said. Patnaik said during the BJD's tenure, 90 per cent of the state's population benefited from the 'Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana'. 'The current Ayushman Bharat scheme fails to provide medicine or free hospital treatment. Thousands, including mothers, the elderly, cancer patients, and children, are facing harassment," he said. He alleged that the health system has collapsed, with posts of chief district medical officer lying vacant in 19 out of 30 districts. 'This is the so-called success of the current government," he said. Patnaik further claimed that 'Mission Shakti' brought glory to the state across India, but the present government has weakened this movement in a year. He noted that in 2000, the BJD had inherited a state with a loan burden of Rs 18,000 crore, and the government was running on overdraft. 'By 2024, the BJD left a treasury surplus of Rs 45,000 crore. The current government is now running on record loans," he added. He alleged that farmers are being exploited by millers while irrigation projects, which reached record high under the BJD, have been halted by the current regime.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Backward class quota in med, engg admission from this year: CM
Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday asserted his govt will implement quota for backward classes for admission in medical and engineering courses from this academic year. The govt had earlier faced opposition criticism for not including medical and engineering courses under the 11.25% quota in higher education announced last month for socially and educationally backward classes (SEBC)s. Responding to media queries during a press conference, Majhi said his govt is committed to ensuring social justice. "For SEBC quota in technical education, there were some issues. Consultations are ongoing. A decision will be taken soon. It will be implemented from this academic year itself," Majhi said. Since advertisement for admission under the earlier rule of no quota for SEBCs had already been issued, the govt consulted various departments involved about possible complications, resulting in the delay behind taking decisions, a govt officer explained. Sources said the govt is working on increasing quota for SC/STs from the current 20% to 38.75%, apart from introducing reservation for SEBCs in technical and professional education. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo When asked to rate himself on a scale of 10, Majhi left it to the people to do so. "It would be unfair to mark myself first class. However, we implemented most major promises we had made to the people," he said. Regarding the govt's stand against alleged corruption during BJD rule, Majhi said the govt is committed to taking action against those involved in mining and chit fund scams. "Officers have been empowered. But such things take time... to collect all information. We will take action at the appropriate time," he said. Majhi also said the govt has begun the process to appoint a new Lokayukta soon and revive the anti-corruption authority.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Bengal Assembly Resolution on Pahalgam terror Attack: Mamata slams Centre, says ‘Total failure, colossal lapse in internal security'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the resignation of the BJP government at the Centre over the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 men, mostly tourists, were killed, calling it a 'total failure of the government' and a 'colossal lapse' in internal security. Speaking in the Assembly during the passing of a resolution commending the Indian armed forces for their precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor – though the resolution did not mention its name – the chief minister said India had a 'golden opportunity' to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during last month's military conflict but failed to act decisively as she questioned the foreign policy of the BJP government. 'We had an opportunity to take control of PoK. Instead, Pakistan has been allowed in a committee on terrorism created by the UN. Is there a flaw in our foreign policy?' she said. Demanding accountability from the Centre for what she called a 'colossal lapse' in internal security during the Pahalgam terror attack, the chief minister said: 'When terrorists attacked, there were no police there. Kashmir police is not controlled by the state government. Those who were attacked by the terrorists repeatedly asked for help. But no police personnel, Army men were there to help them… Why were no security forces or police personnel present at the spot? We don't know the attackers in Pahalgam till date. No one has been arrested…Why? How did such an attack happen in a high-security zone.. This is a total failure of government, a total failure of agencies.' Asserting that 'we don't support terrorism; it has no religion, caste, or creed', Banerjee said those responsible for the Pahalgam killings must be brought to justice without delay. She praised the Indian military action, stating, 'There was a need for teaching them a lesson. We salute the bravery of our armed forces.' Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshows following Operation Sindoor, the TMC chief said that he was only 'busy advertising himself'. 'You just roam around promoting sindoor. We respect sindoor. You don't respect women. Why didn't the Prime Minister visit Rajouri, Poonch sites (hit by Pakistan shelling)?' she asked. Accusing the BJP of trying to politicise the valour of the armed forces with an eye on elections, she also recalled how the BJP allegedly politicised the Pulwama terror attack in the past and warned against similar attempts to 'provoke unrest' ahead of the upcoming general elections. Pointing to the BJP legislators, who chanted 'Modi Modi', Banerjee said: 'Apnader bhoi laage… Election aele ekta Pulwama korte hobe, eta jeno na hoi ('We are afraid of you…when election comes, do another Pulwama, that should not happen)'. She was referring to Pulwama terror attack in which a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of the CRPF, killing nearly 40 personnel, on Februaray 14, 2019, months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The CM also questioned why the Prime Minister or Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not visit any foreign country instead had sent parliamentary delegations composed of MPs from Opposition parties. 'You needed to send your own minister, your Defence Minister. You should have gone yourself. Instead of you going, you sent the opposition parties, they did that job. That's why I thank them for doing their job brilliantly,' she said. Seven parliamentary delegations were sent to major global capitals to reinforce India's diplomatic messaging following Operation Sindoor. Amidst the ruckus, Banerjee continued her attack on the Centre, raising questions, and the recent appointment of Pakistan as the vice chair of the UN's anti-terror committee. 'Pakistan has become the vice chair of the UN's anti-terror committee. How? Were we lacking in diplomatic relations?' she asked, while calling External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar 'a good person, a capable bureaucrat.' Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-26 term, will chair the Council's Taliban Sanctions Committee for 2025 and will be vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the 15-nation UN organ. She also expressed concern about India's diplomatic strategy with respect to Pakistan. 'I don't know if there is an issue with our diplomacy, as Pakistan is still getting loans from the IMF, instead of being cornered internationally,' the CM said. She added, 'I support the resolution because I think this strike was important to send a strong message. I pay my respects to those who lost their lives. Terrorism can never be forgiven.' Banerjee referred to reports of Pakistani spies being arrested from Gujarat, the home state of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. 'How did information from Modi-Shah's state reach Pakistan?' she asked. Tempers flared in the House when BJP legislators interrupted her speech. Banerjee shot back, calling the BJP 'uncivilised' and 'liars'. 'You are fake Hindus. My voice will drown out your noise. You only promote yourselves and insult the people of this country,' she said, addressing the BJP benches amid loud sloganeering from both the opposition and treasury benches. With PTI Atri Mitra is a Special Correspondent of The Indian Express with more than 20 years of experience in reporting from West Bengal, Bihar and the North-East. He has been covering administration and political news for more than ten years and has a keen interest in political development in West Bengal. Atri holds a Master degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University and Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. He is also an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. He started his career with leading vernacular daily the Anandabazar Patrika, and worked there for more than fifteen years. He worked as Bihar correspondent for more than three years for Anandabazar Patrika. He covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections. He also worked with News18-Bangla and covered the Bihar Lok Sabha election in 2019. ... Read More
