Odisha's Irrigation Overhaul Amid Paddy Procurement Challenges

In response to protests over paddy procurement mismanagement in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced arrangements for crop collection from farmers and new development projects worth over Rs 891 crore. The initiatives include irrigation facility enhancements to benefit Kalahandi's drought-affected areas and financial support programs for farmers.

Amid rising protests against alleged mismanagement in Odisha's paddy procurement, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced strategic arrangements to collect crops from farmers, following the Centre's commitment to lift 8 lakh tonnes of rice from the state.

During a program in Bhawanipatna, Majhi unveiled development projects totaling over Rs 891 crore, aimed at enhancing irrigation in the drought-stricken regions of Kalahandi. The announcement includes 971 projects worth Rs 193.36 crore and the laying of foundational stones for an additional 2,641 projects valued at Rs 698.3 crore.

Majhi also inaugurated the Kalahandi Ghoomura Mahotsav-2026 while highlighting plans for the Rs 3,325 crore Utei Rawal irrigation project and the anticipated Belgaum intra-river reservoir project. Additionally, financial schemes have significantly increased farmers' annual earnings, and a cotton production cluster is proposed between Kalahandi and Nabarangpur.

(With inputs from agencies.)