Bhubaneswar, Dec 16: In a significant move towards enhancing water management in the state, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated 59 mega lift points under the Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation project today. This ambitious initiative, designed to cover 13 districts, involves an investment of Rs 2,500 crores and spans an extensive 80,000 hectares of cultivable land.

During a video conference addressing the audience, the Chief Minister underscored the transformative impact the project would have on the agricultural landscape of the state. He commended the dedication and hard work of farmers, acknowledging them as the unsung heroes of the nation. Patnaik has been actively engaging with farmers, incorporating their feedback into government plans to address various issues.

Highlighting the government's steadfast commitment to agricultural development, the Chief Minister noted that the state's agriculture budget has tripled in the past five years, reaching Rs 25,000 crores. He specifically mentioned the success of the Kalia Yojana, which has proven highly beneficial for farmers. The government has allocated Rs 600 crores for the Prima Grama Bima Yojana, providing insurance cover to farmers, and has extended interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh.

Emphasizing the crucial role of water management, Patnaik stated that the state government is fast-tracking the 5T program for irrigation development. Major projects such as Upper Indravati, Lower Indra, Deo, and Subarnarekha Barrage are anticipated to provide irrigation facilities to farmers. The Chief Minister expressed optimism about the swift completion of these projects, ensuring a robust and prosperous agricultural sector.

Additionally, Patnaik announced the launch of the e-Megalift App, developed by the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), to facilitate efficient management and monitoring of the Mega Lift Irrigation Project.

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