Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday called upon the farmers to make judicious use of water, which is a precious natural source, in cultivation to help the society in its conservation.
Speaking at the concluding function of state-level celebration of Pani Panchayat Fortnight-2024 in Bhubaneswar, the chief minister said, the Pani Panchayat, which was started as a government programme, has become a revolution in farm sector in the state.
“Pani Panchayat has not only ensured right to water to the farmers but also made them responsible for its right consumption. Now they can get the expected yield of the crop due to intervention of Pani Panchayat,” he said.
Stating that the government was taking steps to involve more women in this regard, Naveen said already 40,000 Pani Panchayats have been formed in the state so far.
He also advised the farmers to go for diversification of crops and adopt new technology to make Odisha a leading state in agriculture sector in the country.
Speaking on the government steps for improvement of farm sector, the chief minister said latest technology was being applied in irrigation projects. Besides, the government has allocated Rs 600 crore for development of the command areas, he added.
The chief minister released a prototype of Pani Panchayat and a coffee table book on the occasion. He also presented awards to best Pani Panchayats, best farmers and students who won in different competitions held earlier.
Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu, Development Commissioner Anu Garg also spoke at the function.
