In a major push to bolster the state’s agricultural infrastructure, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced a target to bring an additional 15 lakh hectares of land under irrigation within the next three years.
The announcement was made during the launch of the 2025-26 Kharif paddy procurement process at the Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS) in Palasapanga, Keonjhar. Highlighting the government’s farmer-centric agenda, the Chief Minister emphasized that water security remains a cornerstone of rural development.
Boost to Paddy Procurement and Bonuses
CM Majhi confirmed that the state government is offering a bonus of ₹800 per quintal of paddy, a move intended to significantly enhance the income and morale of cultivators. This brings the total procurement price to a level aimed at making farming more lucrative.
“The government is committed to the welfare of our farmers. Last year, nearly 20 lakh farmers received input assistance totaling ₹7,000 crore, and we expect that number to grow this year,” the Chief Minister said. He further directed officials to ensure the procurement process remains transparent, warning of strict action against any negligence.
Focus on Diversification and Cooperative Strength
While paddy remains the primary crop, the Chief Minister urged the farming community to diversify into pulses, oilseeds, and millets. He indicated that the government is considering new incentives for non-paddy crops to promote sustainable agriculture.
To facilitate these changes at the grassroots level, the state has expanded its cooperative network. Majhi revealed that 1,542 new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and LAMPS have been established, bringing the state’s total to 4,253. These units are being developed as “one-stop centers” for farmers, backed by ₹5 lakh in seed money provided by the government to ensure operational efficiency.
In a significant update for the local region, Majhi announced that the long-awaited Kanupur irrigation project in Keonjhar is slated for inauguration within the next two to three months. In a gesture of appreciation for agricultural entrepreneurship, the CM stated he would personally visit and felicitate a local farmer who received a ₹1 crore subsidy under the Krushi Udyog Yojana.
The Chief Minister’s visit also carried a historical note, as he unveiled a statue of the legendary freedom fighter Dharanidhar Naik at Nenkadaghar. “Keonjhar is not just a land of minerals; it is a land of revolutionaries. Dharanidhar Naik remains a source of eternal inspiration for all of Odisha,” Majhi remarked.
The event was attended by Keonjhar MP Anant Nayak, several local MLAs, and District Collector Vishal Singh. According to the Chief Minister, the paddy procurement process is scheduled to be fully operational across all districts by January 10.
