Odisha Government Partners with Four Corporations to Boost Agricultural Development for Farmers

The Odisha government has entered into agreements with four corporations to enhance agriculture and support farmers for the 2025-26 fiscal year. These agreements were signed by the state's agriculture department with Odisha Agro-Industrial Corporation (OAIC), Odisha Agriculture Promotion and Capital Investment Corporation Limited (APICOL), Odisha State Seed Corporation Limited (OSSC), and Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation Limited (OSCDCL) in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo.

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Seed Production and Supply Chain Focus

The collaboration with OSSC is designed to bolster the seed production and supply chain. The agriculture department aims to empower farmers by ensuring a timely supply of certified seeds, according to an official. Both parties will work together on seed replacement and varietal improvement through a coordinated awareness campaign for farmers. A turnover target of Rs 56 crore has been set for this initiative.

Infrastructure and Equipment Goals

OAIC has ambitious plans, including purchasing 45,000 tonnes of fertiliser and pesticides worth Rs 20 crore, along with acquiring 7,000 tractors and 1,000 power tillers. The corporation also intends to establish 5,200 electric-powered small lift irrigation projects, 4,800 solar-powered water tanks, and 1,000 shallow tube well projects. Additionally, Rs 30 crore will be allocated for construction work this financial year, aiming for a total turnover of Rs 1,000 crore.

Business Enterprises and Subsidies

APICOL's agreement focuses on creating 6,500 business enterprises and providing subsidies worth Rs 250 crore. Of this amount, Rs 200 crore is allocated for the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) and Rs 50 crore for a cold storage support scheme. This initiative aims to boost agricultural entrepreneurship in the state.

Cashew Cultivation Enhancement

For the financial year 2025-26, OSCDCL plans to undertake a hybrid cashew replanting programme covering 500 hectares. It also aims to maintain trees over more than 1,336 hectares to strengthen cashew cultivation in Odisha. The corporation targets producing 35 lakh hybrid cashew grafts from its existing 20 nurseries.

During the event, Singh Deo honoured the managing directors of OAIC and APICOL for their exceptional performance in the previous financial year. Presenting letters of appreciation, he noted that all affiliated corporations have demonstrated excellent performance and should continue on this path of progress. "We are fully committed to the progress and development of farmers," Singh Deo stated.

The Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department is notable for having spent 94.7 per cent of its approved budget. This reflects its dedication to advancing agricultural development in the region.

With inputs from PTI