Odisha CM Patnaik hails 'Kalia' scheme, claims to end agrarian crisis

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday said that his government's Rs 10,000 crore farmer welfare scheme 'Kalia' would open doors for the development of agri sector workers. The Odisha government announced the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (Kalia) on December 31, 2018. "Kalia is an ideal scheme for farmers. Not only for Odisha, but Kalia will also open new doors of agrarian welfare," Patnaik said after inaugurating the state-level annual farmer's convention Krushi Odisha 2019, at Biju Patnaik Ground in Baramunda here.

Stating that he would be very happy if the farmers utilise the scheme for the betterment of cultivation and doubling their income, Patnaik said 92 per cent of the state's cultivators will be benefited from the scheme. He said that beginning from small and marginal farmers, Kalia scheme has provision to benefit sharecroppers, landless farmers and agricultural labourers. "In 2014, I had promised to irrigate additional 10 lakh hectares agricultural land. In the last four years, we have spent Rs 30,000 crore on irrigation. Today, we have been able to irrigate 8 lakh hectares. Till April 2019, we will reach our goal, Patnaik said.

He said that Odisha has been a pioneering state in bringing out agrarian reforms. The state government has been presenting separate agriculture budgets and there has been massive increase in allocation for the sector, he added. "My government has intensified its efforts to enhance farmers income with sustainable agricultural practices by promoting efficient extension and production technology, post-harvest solutions, effective value addition, and remunerative market options," Patnaik said.

Patnaik also said that Odisha has been awarded Krushi Karman five times with the cooperation of the farmers. He said Odisha has been self-reliant in foodgrain production and it has reached a position where it is now supplying food to other states.

(With inputs from agencies.)