Puri, May 29: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday launched the ‘Bikshith Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Sakhigopal area of Puri.
The leaders launched the national program by planting a sapling under the theme of “Ek Peed Ma Ke Naam” campaign.
As per reports, this campaign will continue for the next 15 days and the government will directly reach out interact with about 1.5 lakh farmers from the state and make them aware of new agricultural knowledge, skills and technologies.
Addressing the public on this occasion, CM Majhi said that the ‘Bikshith Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ is a groundbreaking initiative of the Central Government, which will take place until June 12, to create awareness among farmers about modern technology and new seed varieties.
Through this campaign, the government will reach out to about 1.5 crore farmers in 700 districts of the country and make them aware of the application of new agricultural technologies, he added.
Under this campaign, three teams will be formed at the district level. Scientists and department officials from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra will work together to explain topics related to agriculture, horticulture, and soil conservation to rural farmers, said CM Majhi.
Each team will visit two villages every day and meet 250 farmers in each village. They will explain the farmer welfare schemes from both the Central and State Governments, and discuss various programs, new initiatives, and practical knowledge with the farmers, CM Majhi added.
The Chief Minister said that farmers will be made aware of soil health testing, the use of soil health cards, fertilizer management, climate resilient agriculture, etc. He added that steps will be taken to ensure that research-based agricultural information reaches the farmers.
Speaking at the event, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised Odisha for setting an example for the entire country. He highlighted that through the Samriddh Kisan Yojana, the government is buying paddy from farmers at Rs. 3100 per quintal, which is Rs. 800 above the minimum support price.
This is a significant step because when farmers' income increases, it leads to an increase in the country's overall income, he added.
The Union Agriculture Minister also emphasized that it's not just the agricultural sector, but many women in the state are benefiting from initiatives like Subhadra. Whether it's women empowerment or the development of agricultural infrastructure, he expressed confidence that Odisha will set an example for the entire world.
