Odisha Launches Agri Policy With Focus On Diversification, Market, Technology

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday launched the State’s Agriculture Policy 2020 - ‘Samridhi’ with focus on crop diversification, market linkage and use of technology. The policy lays emphasis on diversification from paddy to the high-income crops during the Rabi season.

Addressing the farmers at the inaugural ceremony of Krushi Odisha 2020 conclave at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik said, “The State government is working towards development of farmers. KALIA scheme has enhanced the prestige of farmers. I want farmers to make extensive use new technology and become partners and face of development."

It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha is the third largest contributor to country’s public distribution system (PDS) and won the Krishi Karman Award for six consecutive times for food grain production.

Besides, the State’s agricultural GDP doubled between 2001 and 2016-17 in real terms with an average growth of 4.5 % which is higher than the national average. Odisha also contributes 3 % to the country’s total agricultural GDP.

Agriculture Minister Arun Sahoo informed that income of farmers in Odisha has increased by 7 % than what it was during 2002-2003. The State government is now focussing more on cultivation of millets in 70 blocks of 14 districts and dedicated mandis for procurement of millets have been set up for the first time, said Sahoo.

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