New financial roadmap prioritizes farmer prosperity through innovative irrigation and income support schemes
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented a transformative financial plan for the state's farming community, marking a significant milestone in rural development. This comprehensive roadmap, titled the Agriculture Budget, places the "Annadata" or farmer at the very heart of the state's economic vision. Central to this plan is the ambitious goal of evolving into a 500 billion USD economy by 2036, driven by sustainable growth in the primary sector.
Financial security for paddy growers takes center stage with the Samrudha Krushaka Yojana. Under this landmark initiative, the government has set a remunerative price of Rs.3,100 per quintal for paddy procurement. To facilitate this, an allocation of Rs.6,088 crore is proposed for the upcoming fiscal year. Furthermore, a revolving fund of Rs.5,000 crore will be established to ensure that farmers receive their payments without delay, fostering greater trust in the official procurement system.
Direct income support continues through the CM-KISAN scheme, which works alongside central programs to reach over 51 lakh beneficiaries, including landless households and tribal groups. A dedicated fund of Rs.2,030 crore has been set aside to maintain this vital safety net. The state is also pushing for crop diversification to move away from a sole reliance on paddy. Efforts like the Shree Anna Abhiyan, with a Rs.400 crore outlay, aim to revive climate-resilient millets and "forgotten foods" that are native to our soil.
Water management remains a top priority, with a target to create 15 lakh hectares of additional irrigation potential by 2029. In the immediate term, the government plans to cover 3.33 lakh hectares during 2026-27. Massive investments are being channeled into the Parvati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation scheme and the construction of 20,000 deep bore wells. To prevent water loss, Rs.400 crore is earmarked for canal lining, ensuring that water reaches the tail-end of every farm.
Beyond traditional farming, the "Blue Economy" is poised for rapid expansion. The government has allocated Rs.2,019 crore for fisheries and animal resources, targeting a massive increase in shrimp exports and marine production. New deep-sea fishing vessels and modernized harbors at places like Dhamara and Paradeep are expected to benefit thousands of coastal families. In the livestock sector, the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana will receive Rs.159 crore to boost milk yields, while a new 24/7 referral veterinary hospital at Phulnakhara will provide advanced care for animals.
Educational infrastructure is also seeing a surge, with new agriculture and veterinary colleges being established in districts like Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, and Bolangir. To modernize trade, the state will develop 100 "Smart Farm Markets" or model mandis equipped with digital systems for transparent transactions. Through these multi-layered interventions, the Odisha Agriculture Budget 2026-27 seeks to blend traditional wisdom with modern technology, ensuring that every farming family thrives in a Viksit Odisha.
