Odisha Boosts Farmers with Rs 833 Crore CM-KISAN Payout for Rabi Season

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has just injected over Rs 833 crore into the state's agricultural sector, directly depositing the fifth installment of the CM-KISAN scheme into the accounts of over 41 lakh farmers and landless agricultural households. This timely financial boost, disbursed on Friday for the 2026-27 Rabi season, aims to equip farmers with the crucial funds needed for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. This move by the Bharatiya Janata Party government, which took office in June 2024, underscores its commitment to farmer welfare, a key electoral promise and a direct contrast to the previous administration's record. CM Majhi highlighted the dire state of farmer income under the past Biju Janata Dal government, where Odisha recorded the second-lowest average monthly agricultural household income in India in 2022. The CM-KISAN scheme, a state-specific initiative supplementing the central PM-KISAN, promises Rs 4,000 annually to small and marginal farmers and a one-time Rs 12,500 for landless agricultural households. Beyond direct aid, Majhi's administration is pushing other support, including paddy procurement at Rs 3,100 per quintal under the Samruddha Krushak Yojana and a new Rs 1,000 crore flood relief package. With the Rabi season sowing period approaching (November-December) and harvesting in spring, this early disbursement is critical for agricultural planning. The government's focus on diversification into areas like animal husbandry and fisheries, coupled with efforts to double farmer incomes, suggests a broader strategy for sustainable growth. Farmers will also be watching for continued efficiency in paddy procurement and the swift rollout of the recently announced flood relief, as the new government navigates its promises against the challenges of agricultural economics and natural calamities.