Odisha Government Disburses Rs 838.48 Crore to Farmers on Akshaya Tritiya
On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya this Monday, the Odisha government executed a significant financial transfer, providing Rs 838.48 crore in assistance to 41.68 lakh farmers across the state under the CM Kisan Yojana. Each beneficiary farmer received a direct payment of Rs 2,000 as part of this initiative. This scheme is designed to offer support twice annually, with the second installment traditionally disbursed during the Nuakhai festival.
Chief Minister's Agricultural Engagement and Rituals
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi marked the day by performing a bhoomi puja at an agricultural plot near the Central Rice Research Institute in Cuttack. He also carried out the traditional Akshi Muthi ritual, symbolizing the commencement of the agricultural year on Akshaya Tritiya, which is celebrated as the state-level Farmers' Day. Following these ceremonies, the Chief Minister visited an agriculture exhibition and officially launched two key programs: Ama Bihana Ratha and Krushi Ratha.
New Initiatives for Farmers' Welfare
The Ama Bihana Ratha program, translating to "seeds on wheels," aims to enhance farmers' access to high-quality seeds. In its initial phase, mobile seed selling centers will operate in 31 blocks spanning 10 districts. These centers will supply new paddy seed varieties in convenient 5kg packets directly at the gram panchayat level, ensuring easier availability for rural farmers.
Dressed in traditional farmers' attire, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Odisha's economy, culture, and overall prosperity. He highlighted the longstanding tradition of initiating the agricultural year with the Akshi Muthi ritual on Akshaya Tritiya.
Beneficiary Details and Agricultural Achievements
Of the total 41.68 lakh beneficiaries under the CM Kisan Yojana, the distribution includes:
- 41.24 lakh small and marginal farmers
- 41,049 landless agricultural families
- 3,292 tribal farming families
Chief Minister Majhi proudly announced that Odisha's agricultural growth rate has reached 5.3% within just 22 months of the new government taking office, surpassing the national average. He further noted that the state produced over 150 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains this year, showcasing robust agricultural output.
Procurement and Support Mechanisms
To ensure fair compensation for farmers, the government is procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal. During the 2025-26 kharif season, this procurement amounted to 76.47 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 18.55 lakh farmers, with an input assistance of Rs 5,589 crore provided to support their efforts.
Educational Support for Farming Families
Under the Krushi Vidyanidhi Scholarship Scheme, children from farming families are receiving support for technical and professional education. In the 2025-26 academic year alone, 68,910 students benefited from this initiative, receiving a total of over Rs 291.60 crore in scholarships, thereby investing in the future of agriculture through education.
