Bhubaneswar/Bhawanipatna, January 19, 2026: Amid concerns over paddy procurement in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the Centre has agreed to procure 8 lakh tonnes of rice from the state. The government is making arrangements to collect paddy from farmers to ensure they receive fair prices.

Development Initiatives Launched

During a programme in Kalahandi district headquarters, Bhawanipatna, Majhi inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple projects worth over ₹891 crore to boost irrigation and overall development in the drought-prone region:

• Inaugurated: 971 projects worth ₹193.36 crore
• Foundation stone laid: 2,641 projects worth ₹698.3 crore
• Projects include irrigation infrastructure, barrages, and intra-river reservoir development.

Majhi also inaugurated the Kalahandi Ghoomura Mahotsav-2026 and unveiled the special souvenir of the festival, Kalajharan.

Key Schemes and Farmer Benefits

The Chief Minister highlighted several benefits for farmers, aimed at increasing income and ensuring better crop management:

• Financial assistance: ₹800 per quintal of paddy
• PM Kisan and CM Kisan schemes: ₹10,000 per annum per farmer family
• Overall, a farmer family is estimated to earn ₹71,000 more per year due to state and central welfare schemes.

Major Upcoming Projects

• Utei Rawal Irrigation Project: ₹3,325 crore (work to start after central approval)
• Belgaum Intra-River Reservoir Project: Construction to begin soon
• Sandul Barrage: Completion targeted at the earliest
• Cotton Production Cluster: Area between Kalahandi and Nabarangpur to be developed

CM’s Message

Majhi said the combination of Central procurement support, welfare schemes, and irrigation projects will ensure sustainable development for farmers and the region.

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