Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik once again reiterated that the development of agriculture and welfare of farmers are a priority of his Government and claimed that sustained efforts have resulted in increasing harvest and more income for farmers.
Addressing farmers at the Krushak Sachetana programme (farmers’ awareness programme) held at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Training (OUAT) here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said the State Government has increased the Agriculture Budget to Rs 14,000 crore during the past four years.
“Sustained efforts and schemes have been implemented to enhance the yield and income of the farmers of the State,” he said.
Patnaik said that apart from constituting a separate Agriculture Budget, the State Government has formed an Agriculture Cabinet, which now deals farmer and farming-related issues.
“The Krushak Sachetana programme has been initiated to propagate the best practices in agriculture and allied activities. Farmers from all across the State will be trained to progress over the next one year,” the Chief Minister added.
At least two farmers from each Gram Panchayat of every block were scheduled to participate in the workshop. As many as 52 farmers from Balangir block attended the inaugural day of the Krushak Sachetana programme.
At this programme, farmers from all across the State would get an opportunity to learn best practices on farming, equipments, crop procurement and enhancement of yield.
Among others, Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathi, APC GK Dhal, Principal Secretary Saurabh Garg, Cooperation Secretary Ranjana Chopra and OUAT VC SN Pashupalak were present.