Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday called upon newly appointed officers and engineers in agriculture department to work for empowerment of the farmers under different schemes of the Odisha government.
Speaking at a “Nijukti Parba” function organised for 406 newly appointed officers in the Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister said this large appointment in one go will provide a big boost to the department. While 261 candidates joined as Assistant Agriculture Officers, 102 joined as Assistant Agriculture Engineers and 43 in the Odisha State Seeds Corporation.
Stating that agriculture and allied sector have been top priority of the government, Naveen said it has been striving to continuously enhance the income of farmers and empower them. “We have come a long way from being a food deficit state to become a net supplier of food by contributing to nation’s public distribution system. Production of various crops has grown multiple times. A number of schemes are in place to support farming activity and diversification of products,” he added.
He further said schemes like KALIA and BALARAM have created a sense of confidence and trust among farmers. Besides, there is a renewed focus on farm mechanisation for enhancing productivity and facilitating judicious use of scarce natural resources. Under Mukhya Mantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, the local youths are encouraged to take up entrepreneurship in farm sector in a big way.
“The Odisha State Seeds Corporation has a critical role in providing quality seeds to farmers. The department should ensure that farmers get quality seeds at the right time,” he advised.
The officers will make significant contribution to farm sector in next three decades, the chief minister said, adding that they have requisite knowledge, skill and expertise to serve the farmers. He advised them to follow the 5T principles and contribute to the transformation of farm sector.
Agriculture & farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain outlined the key initiatives and achievements of his department. He advised the officers to ensure that the benefits of the schemes directly reach the farmers.
Chief Secretary PK Jena said continuous focus on agriculture has helped reduce rural poverty in the state in a significant way.
Principal Secretary Arabinda Padhi and Agriculture Director Premchand Choudhury also spoke. Chairman of State Seeds Corporation Bijay Nayak and Development Commissioner Anu Garg were present among others.
