Landless farmers to get financial assistance under KALIA scheme

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today clarified that landless farmers of the State will receive all the benefits under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme.

Addressing a meeting, Secretary of Agriculture Department, Saurabh Garg informed that in the first phase, monetary assistance of Rs 5000 will be given to around 4.5 lakh landless farmers by February 15. In the second phase, cash benefits will be transferred to around 14 lakh small and marginal farmers of the state on February 22.

“After reviewing the application forms we have prepared the list of the beneficiaries.  The balance amount of Rs 12,500 for livelihood support will be given to them afterwards" said Garg.

It is pertinent to mention here that, on December 21, 2018 Odisha government had announced KALIA scheme to support small and marginal farmers and landless agricultural labourers in the state.

As part of the scheme, the government has decided to provide small and marginal farmers financial support of Rs 10,000 per year in two tranches of Rs 5000 during Kharif and Rabi seasons. Secondly, livelihood support for landless households at Rs 12,500 per family will also be disbursed under the scheme.