In a major initiative to strengthen farmer welfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday transferred ₹2,000 directly into the bank accounts of crores of farmers across the country, including 34.85 lakh farmers in Odisha. This transfer marked the 20th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, and was carried out through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during a special event held in Varanasi.

Six Lakh New Farmers Brought Under PM-Kisan in Odisha

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi lauded the expansion of the scheme in the state, announcing that six lakh previously excluded farmers have now been added to the PM Kisan beneficiary list under the new government.

“Our government made it a priority to include left-out farmers. Since taking office, we have worked relentlessly to reach both rural and urban farmers. The inclusion process is ongoing,” Majhi said while addressing the event.

Criticism of Previous Regime’s Agricultural Neglect

Taking a swipe at the past 24-year rule of the previous government in Odisha, Majhi said it failed to prioritize agriculture.

“The former regime couldn’t even provide a ₹100 bonus to farmers. In contrast, our government managed to give an input subsidy of ₹800 in just nine years, which has become a game-changer,” he said.

He highlighted that during the recent Kharif season, the Odisha government spent ₹6,000 crore in providing input assistance to 17 lakh farmers—a figure unmatched by any other state in the Rabi season.

Farmers Now Receive Up to ₹30,000 Annually from Multiple Schemes

Majhi noted that with the integration of central and state schemes—PM Kisan, CM Kisan, and Subhadra Yojana—farmers in Odisha are now eligible to receive up to ₹30,000 annually in combined financial aid.

He urged farmers to diversify their crops beyond paddy cultivation and adopt high-value farming like vegetables, oilseeds, fruits, and other cash crops. “Diversification is key to higher incomes and a secure future for our farmers,” he added.

Commitment to Inclusive Agricultural Development

The PM Kisan scheme, launched in 2019, provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three equal installments. Odisha’s recent addition of six lakh new beneficiaries underscores the state’s resolve to ensure no farmer is left behind.

The latest DBT payout, coupled with substantial state input subsidies, represents a significant reinforcement of Odisha’s agricultural foundation. As both the Centre and the state work in tandem to transform the agricultural landscape, farmers remain at the heart of this renewed focus.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Odisha’s Farmers

With expanded coverage, increased financial assistance, and a push towards crop diversification, Odisha’s farmers are set to benefit from greater financial security and income-generating opportunities. The synergy between central and state efforts marks the beginning of a new chapter in Odisha’s agricultural development.

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