Agriculture is the single largest employment-providing sector of Odisha :Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar12/1/23:Agriculture is the single largest employment-providing sector of the state and so is the key to socio-economic development in Odisha. Therefore, the Government lays special emphasis on the development of this sector through various interventions supported by a comprehensive, inclusive State Agriculture Policy, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Wednesday.

Attending orientation programme for 240 Assistant Managers & 26 System Managers inducted to Central Cooperative Banks at district level, CM Naveen Patnaik said the recruitment will enable banks to get quality manpower at front office & infuse professionalism in their functioning.Mentioning that farmers will benefit by way of better service delivery under financial inclusion & credit dispensation, CM hoped the momentum would be sustained in days to come. CM added that cooperative sector plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of farmers.CM said cooperative sector provides necessary impetus to farmers’ agricultural operations through credit inputs and marketing support. CM added that the Co-operative Banks and PACS provide around 60% of the total crop loans disbursed in the state.

In recognition of the potential of PACS in service delivery, CM said Odisha Govt has been emphasising on strengthening their human resources, technology upgradation. Core Banking Solutions & computerised operations of PACS are included as important 5T interventions, CM added.Congratulating the new officers on virtual platform, Naveen expressed hope that the State Agriculture Sector would be filled up with new energy and passion for service as young officers become part of its delivery mechanism. He advised the young officers to work with commitment following the 5T principles and hoped that their dedication would certainly boost the outcomes at field level.

He further said that Services under the sector have been brought under the umbrella of 5T & Mo Sarkar with the objective of enhancing the delivery mechanism and reach out to every farmer and every corner of the state achieving the highest level of satisfaction by farmers.

Focusing on state’s growth in agri sector, he said that Odisha has taken long strides from ship to mouth situation to become surplus in food grain production. Moreover, the food grain production in the state has reached over 130 lakh Metric Tonnes during 2021 surpassing all its previous records. It has been more than double during the last 20 years, he added.

He said that Odisha is a top performing state in Cashew production. It has a huge potential in employment and income generation. I hoped the infusion of new blood into the management of Cashew Development Corporation would vitalize the cashew sector in Odisha.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister praised the vision of Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik in the growth of agriculture sector and pro farmer policies. He highlighted the steps taken up by his department.

Development Commissioner PK Jena advised the new officers to be closer to farmers and agri entrepreneurs, and work for taking the benefits of state policies and programmes to the farmers in the last mile. Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian moderated the programme.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment (A&FE) Department, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee gave the welcome address, and MD Cashew Development Corporation offered the vote of thanks.