Krushi Odisha–2023 Inaugurated
Bhubaneswar | Date: 16.02.2023
Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the state-level annual agricultural festival Krushi Odisha at Baramunda Ground in Bhubaneswar. Addressing the farmers present at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of farm mechanization and crop diversification. He advised the farmers to adopt new technologies and cultivate more non-paddy and high-value crops to increase income.
Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Krushi Odisha–2023 will continue till the 18th of February.
The Chief Minister stated that technology is the foundation of development and that agriculture, too, requires the integration of technology. Expressing his happiness over this year’s focus on the use of new technology in agriculture, he said that farmers would get to learn about, apply, and succeed with these innovations, thus contributing meaningfully to their own progress and the state’s development.
He reiterated that the development of agriculture and farmers is the government’s highest priority. Odisha has transformed from a food-deficient to a food-surplus state, now capable of contributing rice to the national public distribution system. He highlighted that through the KALIA scheme, farmers have achieved income security. He further stated that efforts are ongoing to enhance productivity through a focus on farm mechanization.
The Chief Minister added that independent missions such as the Jackfruit Mission and Mushroom Mission are not only aimed at increasing farmers’ income but also ensuring nutritional security. Odisha’s Millet Mission, he said, has gained attention across the country and even globally. It is also contributing to the livelihood of women under Mission Shakti.
Welcoming representatives from international organizations such as WFP, IFAD, and FAO, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for their continued support in Odisha’s agriculture sector.
On the occasion, Agriculture Minister Shri Ranendra Pratap Swain, in his address, stated that under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister, the Agriculture Department has taken many revolutionary steps. He mentioned that a focus on agriculture-allied activities has led to significant income growth among farmers. Over the past two decades, Odisha has become self-sufficient in fish, meat, egg, and milk production, resulting in increased farmer incomes.
Chairperson of the Odisha Skill Development Authority, Shri Subroto Bagchi, Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg, and other senior departmental officials highlighted key government initiatives. Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, delivered the welcome address, and Director Shri Premchand Choudhury offered the vote of thanks.
