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Press Release

Odisha CM urges farmers to use more machines in farming

Jan 28, 2023

Paschim Odisha Krushi Mela 2023 inaugurated 

Sambalpur, 28 January 2023: Odisha Chief Minister Mr Naveen Patnaik yesterday urged the framers to use more machines in farming. He was speaking at the inauguration of Paschim Odisha Krushi Mela 2023, jointly organized by Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) and Department of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment, Government of Odisha in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Mr Patnaik added that farm mechanization is the need of the hour. While addressing the farmers of Western Odisha, he said that the state government is fully committed to the overall development of the farming community and it's a top priority for the government. The state government's Kalia and Balaram scheme, and Millet Mission are framed to achieve this very objective. He also appreciated the effort of farmers and said that due to their valuable contribution, Odisha has been conferred with many awards nationally at regular intervals.

On this occasion, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Mr Ranendra Pratap Swain said that Odisha has a focused approach towards agriculture. "During last 20 years state has achieved exemplary success in production enhancement. We are nearer to self sufficient in fish, livestock and egg production. Food grain production has increased from 55.35 lakh metric tonne in 2000-01 to 130.29 lakh metric tonne by 2020-21, an increase of 160 per cent. Similarly, oilseed production has increased 58 per cent, pulses 66 per cent and vegetable production increased by 67 per cent. Fish production increased to 9 lakh 90 thousand metric tonne in last 20 years."

"Odisha is now fourth largest fish producer of the country," he also mentioned.

State government has implemented projects worth Rs 200Cr to mitigate the impact of flood in agriculture land. Western Odisha is the largest beneficiary of this program, He added.

Mr Asit Kumar Tripathy, Chairman, WODC said that the department has prepared the plan to organize Krushak Mela at different part of the state. "As per the instruction of Hon'ble Chief Minister, the first mela has organized in Sambalpur. Agriculture sector contributes 20 per cent to our economy," said Mr Tripathy.

He added, "Government has committed to increase the income of farmers. Our farmers need to focus more commercialization and market linkage of their products. They also need to embrace entrepreneurship. Many youth of farming community have shown interest to start business. Government is giving 75 percent subsidy on machines." He further urged farmers to take advantage of the scheme.

Among other dignitaries present on the occasion were Mr Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Director, Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Govt of Odisha; Ms Ananya Das, Collector & DM, Sambalpur; Mr Kishore Chandra Nayak, MLA, Kuchinda; Ms Kumudini Nayak, Prsident ZP, Sambalpur and other industry leaders & farmers.

More than 100 indoor and outdoor stalls, comprising Agri Implants, Millets, Handlooms, Handicrafts and live demonstrations of heavy machinery has been seen in the event. Five progressive farmers from Western Odisha were awarded for their exemplary work in agriculture and farming. Agriculture minister also handed over keys of combine harvester, Tractor and Mudhi Making machine to the progressive farmers using direct benefit transfer (DBT) system.

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