Bhubaneswar, Jan 19: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured farmers that the state government is fully prepared to procure paddy as the Centre has agreed to lift 8 lakh metric tonnes of rice from Odisha. Addressing farmers while inaugurating the Kalahandi Ghumura Mahotsav-2026, the Chief Minister said necessary arrangements are being made to ensure smooth procurement and timely payments.

Highlighting various welfare initiatives, Majhi said farmers are now receiving an additional Rs 800 per quintal for paddy, along with Rs 10,000 annually under the PM Kisan and CM Kisan schemes. Due to these benefits and other support measures, a farmer family is earning around Rs 71,000 more per year, he added.

During the event, the Chief Minister also announced major development projects, including the Rs 3,325 crore Utei Rawal irrigation project, Belgaum intra-river reservoir, and construction of the Sandul Barrage. He further revealed plans to develop the Kalahandi-Nabarangpur region as a cotton production cluster.

“These initiatives will boost agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods,” Majhi said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural development.

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