In a significant move aimed at boosting the agricultural sector in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is all set to launch the CM Kisan Yojana during the Nuakhai festival. This initiative, which symbolizes a commitment to farmers, will take place today at Gangadhar Meher University auditorium in Sambalpur. The launch is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the livelihood of farmers, especially those not covered under existing schemes.
What is the CM Kisan Yojana?
The CM Kisan Yojana has been designed to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, as well as landless agricultural households. Under this scheme, each eligible farmer will receive a total financial aid of Rs 4,000 annually, distributed in two instalments. The first instalment of Rs 2,000 will be disbursed on Nuakhai, which is a harvest festival celebrated with great fervor across the state. The remaining amount will be provided during the festival of Akshaya Tritiya, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting farmers during key agricultural periods.
Focus on Inclusivity
This initiative replaces the KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme, which catered to the needs of farmers but left out many eligible households. The CM Kisan Yojana aims to bridge this gap, ensuring that every farmer receives the support they need to thrive. Landless agricultural families will particularly benefit, receiving Rs 12,500 through three instalments, thereby enhancing their financial stability.
Budget Allocation and Expectations
The Odisha government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 925.40 crore for the CM Kisan Yojana, looking to assist approximately 45.97 lakh beneficiaries. This financial commitment demonstrates the government’s dedication to empowering the farming community and boosting agricultural productivity in the state. Additionally, the scheme is expected to encourage new farmers to register and take advantage of the benefits provided.
Launch Celebrations and Cultural Significance
The launch of the CM Kisan Yojana coincides with the Nuakhai festival, a time-honored tradition that celebrates the new rice harvest in Odisha. This timing is symbolic; it reflects the government’s intention to ensure that farmers celebrate this important festival with added financial security. During the launch event, CM Majhi will also inaugurate a dedicated portal for the yojana, allowing farmers easy access to registration and assistance.
The Nuakhai festival is not only about agriculture—a time for families to gather, it represents hope and prosperity. By aligning the launch of the CM Kisan Yojana with this significant festival, the Odisha government highlights its commitment to the welfare of the agricultural community.
The Role of Government Officials
Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo, who oversees Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, has been vocal about the importance of the CM Kisan Yojana. He encourages farmers to register via the CM Kisan Grievance Portal for inclusion in this transformative program. This focus on accessibility aims to ensure that no farmer is left behind in receiving due benefits.
Future Directions
The CM Kisan Yojana is part of a broader agricultural strategy that aims to enhance the financial conditions of farmers in Odisha. This includes other initiatives like the Samrudh Krushak Yojana, which offers further financial support and aims to ensure that farmers receive due bonuses for their crops.
Furthermore, the Odisha government’s increased budget allocation for agriculture, which has risen significantly to Rs 33,919 crore in the financial year 2024-25, signals a robust commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape.
Conclusion
As Odisha prepares for the launch of the CM Kisan Yojana, the initiative signifies hope and a commitment to agricultural prosperity for the state’s farmers. It serves as a promise of support, ensuring that farmers have the necessary resources to cultivate their land effectively. Through this scheme, the Odisha government is not just offering financial aid but is taking meaningful steps towards building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that respects and celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers.
With the launch taking place today, all eyes will be on how this initiative unfolds and its subsequent impact on the state’s agricultural community. The CM Kisan Yojana is anticipated to usher in a new era of agricultural empowerment in Odisha, aligning economic support with cultural significance and a vision for a prosperous future for farmers.
