"Farmers and their state will benefit if cultivators use technology properly in the farm sector," the chief minister said during the three-day 'Krushi Odisha'-2023 conference. This year's theme is 'Emerging Technology in Agriculture.'
Patnaik stated that technology is the foundation of development and that there is a great need for technology in agriculture as well.
Noting that the development of agriculture and farmers is a top priority for his administration, Patnaik stated that Odisha has emerged as a leader in the agricultural sector. Odisha is no longer a food-deficient state, according to the chief minister.
Patnaik spoke about the state government's KALIA scheme, saying that the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation has come as a security for farmers who are struggling to find funds for cultivation.
The state government launched the KALIA scheme in 2018, under which farmers receive Rs 4,000 in two equal installments each year. The state government has launched Panas (jackfruit) Mission and Chathu (mushroom) Mission to increase farmer income.
These two missions, as well as the Millet (Mandia) Mission, he claims, benefit farmers. According to Patnaik, the Millet Mission has captured the attention of the entire country and the world today, and it has also contributed to the growth of self-help groups' income.
Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment Department Secretary Arabinda Padhee stated that the state intends to build around 1000 cold storage facilities in the near future. Each unit will have a storage capacity of 10-15 metric tonnes, and the facilities will be powered by solar energy, according to Padhee.
