On the occasion of Nuakhai, the harvest festival of Odisha, the state government on Thursday distributed financial aid of Rs 869 crores to 41 lakh small and marginal farmers and 85,000 landless farmers under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme.
Each registered farmer has received Rs 2000 immediately into their bank account as part of the financial aid, according to a CMO press release.
Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister, addressed the farmers through video conference and declared KALIA Scheme as the best Scheme in the nation. It has given small and marginal farmers optimism and confidence, and it is assisting in preserving the livelihood of landless farmers.
“Even on Akshay Tritiya in May, more than Rs 800 crore was given to our farmer brothers. I hope that with this help, they would be able to do their farming responsibilities,” Patnaik said.
The Chief Minister also guaranteed help to farmers with crop damages.
“I want you to know that I will always be here for you. I've asked for a damage evaluation and report to be generated as soon as possible. You will soon receive assistance for agricultural loss, “he added.
“Our farmers have elevated Odisha's stature. They have made the state famous for its food security. As a result, all the people of the state are indebted to the farmers,” he further told media.
Under the state's income support Scheme known as Kalia (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation), farmers receive Rs 4,000 in two installments each year.
