Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a special package of Rs35,000 crore mainly for the farmers of western Odisha during the much-hyped Chasi Samavesh organised by the euling BJD at Sohela in Bargarh district on Thursday.
Addressing the farmers’ rally, Patnaik said, “Rs35,000 crore will be spent over the next five years on the development of western Odisha. Of this, 80 per cent will be utilised towards development of agriculture. Besides, Rs8,000 crore will be pumped in for irrigation, Rs13,000 crore towards rural electrification and Rs15,000 crore for development of irrigation facilities in Bargarh district.”
Patnaik also announced two medium irrigation projects for Bargarh district where one would come up on river Ong at an estimated cost of Rs1,500 crore while another would be on river Jeera at a cost of Rs300 crore.
Stressing that the BJD had promised in the election manifesto to provide agricultural loans at reduced rates, the Chief Minister said, “Farm loan will be extended to the farmers at one-per cent annual rate of interest.”
A drought assistance of Rs100 per quintal would be given to the farmers in the drought-hit districts during procurement of paddy. The State Government would bear the expenditure from its coffer, he said.
Patnaik also lashed out at the Centre for not granting Special Category State status to Odisha. “Despite our repeated demands, the Centre has been ignoring our demand. We will continue our fight against the Centre’s neglect,” he said.
He also attacked the Centre for its alleged failure to provide succour to the affected farmers.
Besides, Patnaik criticised the State’s opposition parties for their views on farmers’ suicide. “They are organising Press conferences and shedding crocodile tears. They are politicising the farmers’ death. We are with the farmers and will always be with them, he remarked.”