Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik distributed Rs 1,293 crore to 46 lakh farmers as part of the state government's flagship Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme, while also announcing its extension for an additional three years.
In addition to the financial disbursement, Patnaik inaugurated 30 KALIA centers, one for each district in the state, emphasizing their role as innovation and resource hubs.
The KALIA scheme aims to provide financial support to needy farmers for their agricultural activities. Farmers receive Rs 4,000 annually in two installments, allocated for both kharif and rabi crops.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister declared the extension of the KALIA scheme until 2026-27, with a budget of Rs 6,030 crore allocated for this purpose, according to an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office.
Expanding the scope of benefits, the government has extended educational scholarships to the children of beneficiary farmers, now encompassing various premier institutions within and outside the state. Previously, scholarships were provided for institutions such as NIT, IIT, IIM, and AIIMS.
During the announcement, Patnaik reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every farming family in Odisha lives with dignity, empowerment, and contributes to the state's progress.
Over the past five years, the KALIA scheme has provided farmers in the state with a total assistance of Rs 13,793 crore, officials reported.
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