Big Jump In Agri Budget Reflects Odisha Govt’s Commitment Towards Farmers, Farm Sector: Minister

Bhubaneswar: An outlay of Rs 24,829 crore in Odisha’s Agriculture Budget for 2023-24, a big jump from Rs 7,162 crore in 2013-14, reflects the state government’s commitment towards farm sector and farmers.

This was stated by Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain at a press meet in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

Sharing the highlights of the Agriculture Budget, he said Odisha has not only become self reliant in paddy production but has emerged as a paddy surplus state.

Stating that Odisha is dependent on pulses and oilseeds on other states, he said incentives are being given for cultivation of cash crops through various schemes like Integrated Farming, Rice Fallow Management, Crop Diversification in mega lift area, etc.

This will not only be beneficial for farmers but also conserve water and environment-friendly, the Minister said, adding that the department has sufficient funds to immediately meet the need if there is additional requirement for funds in any programme.

Stating that the state has also become nearly self-reliant in production of eggs, chicken, meat and vegetables, swain said in fish production also Odisha become almost self-reliant and we no longer depend for fish from other states.

Additional provision has been made in the budget for agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry in the existing schemes and new schemes, he said.

While Millet Mission is being implemented in 177 blocks in all the 30 districts, Potato Mission, Spices Mission, Jackfruit Mission, Pulses and Oilseeds Mission including oil palm are under implementation in the state, Swain said.

These schemes are being implemented in mission mode which will surely increase the income of farmers, he said.

Noting that participation of women farmers in several activities in the agricultural sector is more than 60 percent, the Minister said a provision of Rs 100 crore per annum has been made for empowerment of women farmers.