Odisha CM Launches Rs 800 Input Aid for Farmers

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday launched an initiative to provide an additional input assistance of Rs 800 per quintal to paddy farmers, supplementing the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2,300 per quintal. The move is expected to bolster agricultural incomes and address long-standing concerns of the farming community.

Speaking at a public gathering in Sohela, Bargarh district, the Chief Minister called the day “historic” for Odisha's farmers.

“This is a moment that will be etched in golden letters. For the first time, the government has ensured a fair and accurate price for paddy, recognizing the invaluable contributions of our farmers,” he said.

The distribution began with Rs 66 crore in additional input assistance transferred directly to over 16,000 farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The government plans to expand the initiative to cover a larger section of the farming community in the coming months.

The launch at Sohela, a significant agricultural hub in the state, was symbolic. Highlighting its importance, Majhi noted, “Sohela represents the heart of our farmers' toil and perseverance. It is only fitting that we start this initiative here.”

Majhi also took the opportunity to critique the policies of the previous administration, led by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He accused the previous government of failing to fulfill its 2016 promise of providing a Rs 100 bonus per quintal of paddy, alleging that middlemen dominated the procurement process under their regime.

“In our election manifesto, the BJP pledged to procure paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal. Today, that promise has been honored,” he declared, emphasising that the new initiative is a testament to his government’s commitment to work over rhetoric.

Majhi recounted his administration's decisive approach, claiming, “Within an hour of taking oath, my cabinet convened to prioritize farmers. The Rs 800 input assistance is just one of the critical reforms we have implemented within six months—what the previous government couldn’t achieve in 24 years.”

The Chief Minister provided updates on the ongoing Kharif season paddy procurement, which commenced on November 20. Over 21,500 farmers have already sold their produce, and payments are being transferred to their accounts within 48 hours of procurement. To streamline the process, nodal officers have been deployed at procurement centers, and a dedicated helpline (1967) has been established for complaints. A task force has also been created to monitor border districts and prevent the influx of paddy from other states.

Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo lauded the initiative, stating, “Our government believes in action, not empty promises. What we assured farmers before the elections has been delivered today.”

The event saw participation from several key ministers, including revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari, food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra, and cooperation minister Pradeep Bal Samanta. Local MPs and MLAs were also present, with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and other ministers joining virtually from different districts.