Bhubaneswar: The state government has transferred Rs 700 crore to the bank accounts of 37 lakh farmers for Rabi season under the KALIA scheme.
Stating this in his address to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Utkal Divas, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said he started the auspicious day by offering tributes to Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das and Mahatma Gandhi. Since the new financial year begins on the day, he started with the financial help to the farmer community by transferring the amount to their accounts under Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme, he added.
Stating that development of any state cannot be thought without the progress of farmers, the chief minister said KALIA is having an impact on the lives of 37 lakh farmers as well as 17 lakh landless poor.
Naveen further said the schemes such as loan with zero per cent interest and new agriculture policy have encouraged the farmers. He also reiterated that his government will continue its demand to implement MS Swaminathan Committee recommendations.
Agriculture Minister Arun Kumar Sahoo, chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Agriculture Production Commissioner Raj Kumar Sharma and senior officers were present in the programme while secretary to Chief Minister (5-T) VK Pandian coordinated.
