In 2025, the Majhi Government strengthened Odisha agriculture through farmer-centric schemes, irrigation projects, MSP support, crop insurance and climate resilience
OdishaPlus Bureau
Farmer’s Wellbeing
Another aspect of good governance is the empowerment of farmers in the state, which has now become a milestone for the nation. Starting from the provision of developed seeds to the swift sale of harvests in the national market at fair prices, the Odisha government has established a comprehensive framework for its farmers. While the ATMA has been supplying more productive seeds, several state-level agencies are assisting farmers in exporting their produce to both national and international markets for favorable exchanges.
The Odisha government empowers farmers through holistic programs such as the flagship Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) Scheme. The BALARAM scheme addresses the needs of sharecroppers and landless farmers, enabling them to earn a livelihood through agriculture. The Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) provides capital for investment in farming. Likewise, Agriculture Production Clusters (APC) ensure a consistent return for women farmers. To promote farm mechanization, the state government has announced DBT subsidies for equipment. Additionally, expert advice on farming is available through the ‘Aam Krushi’ online forum, which offers real-time assistance to farmers.
The Shree Anna Yojana in Odisha serves as a catalyst for the Odisha Millet Mission, a prominent initiative initiated in 2017 aimed at revitalizing the cultivation and consumption of nutritious millets (Shree Anna) within tribal regions and throughout the state. This program promotes climate-resilient agricultural practices, enhances the livelihoods of farmers, and tackles malnutrition by incorporating millets into school meals, anganwadis, and the public distribution system, thereby positioning Odisha as a leader in millet advocacy. Consequently, the Shree Anna Abhiyan rejuvenates traditional dietary practices and farming methods, harnessing the nutritional and environmental advantages of millets to foster sustainable development in Odisha.
The irrigation infrastructure in Odisha is projected to be significantly enhanced by 2025 to eliminate drought conditions and reduce reliance on inconsistent monsoon rainfall. While some existing irrigation facilities have been upgraded, numerous new projects have been established for the benefit of farmers.
On December 11, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Chief Minister Adibandh Scheme 3.0, which has a budget allocation of Rs 2,738 crore, aimed at improving the state’s irrigation infrastructure. This initiative plans to construct 3,000 new check dams and restore 2,000 older ones over the next five years, encompassing 48,000 hectares of agricultural land.
At the OUAT Campus, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for 201 new check dams, with an investment of Rs 160 crore, and dedicated 101 completed check dams valued at Rs 70.27 crore.
Majhi also inaugurated irrigation projects amounting to Rs 425 crore and laid the groundwork for additional projects totaling Rs 2,063 crore. This reflects the Odisha government’s commitment to advancing the economic status of farmers.
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) has, over the past nine years, revolutionized agriculture in Odisha by offering farmers a robust safety net against crop losses resulting from natural disasters.
The rise in voluntary participation, especially among non-loanee farmers, underscores the increasing trust and acceptance of the scheme. The PMFBY has become even more accessible as the state government has contributed the majority of the premiums for the farmers. It continues to empower farmers and enhance the agricultural resilience of Odisha.
In a significant development, the Centre has recently expanded the coverage under the PMFBY to include crop losses caused by wild animals and floods. This has proven to be a tremendous benefit for farmers in Odisha, where wild elephants and boars roam and flooding is a frequent calamity.
While drought and inundation have been longstanding challenges for farmers in Odisha, the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the Centre, along with the state’s contributions, bolster the confidence and strength of the harvesters.
The Centre has set the national MSP for paddy at ₹2,369 per quintal, with the Odisha government providing an additional input subsidy of ₹800 per quintal. Consequently, farmers are now receiving ₹3,150 for a quintal of paddy. Similarly, the MSP applies to other staple crops, including rabi and Kharif, as well as various cash crops, helping to offset the rising production costs.
Real-time weather forecasts and climate change-related information are vital for climate-resilient farming. The Odisha government is committed to this principle and is developing smart technology for precise weather assessments. Weather forecasts and climate change data equip farmers with essential information for making timely decisions regarding planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
This enables them to adapt to unpredictable conditions such as extreme heat, droughts, or floods by employing strategies like selecting climate-resilient crops, optimizing water usage through methods like direct seeding, and leveraging AI-powered forecasts for improved risk management, ultimately leading to higher yields and more secure livelihoods.
The state agriculture department, in partnership with the IMD, has established regional climate stations and rain-gauge devices, preferably located in the district headquarters, to deliver reports on critical climatic conditions to farmers. Additionally, the state seeks the assistance of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authorities (OSDMA) as necessary to address the concerns of farmers.
The year 2025 was a green year for agrarians in Odisha, as there was no devastating floods or significant droughts affecting paddy crops during the season. Instead, the monsoon was completely normal, favorable, and beneficial for nearly all crops, leading to a bountiful harvest in the crop year.
Read the remaining Schemes and Initiatives here:
Majhi Government: 2025 Was A Standout Year for Schemes and Initiatives– I
Majhi Government: 2025 Was A Standout Year for Schemes and Initiatives– II
