Farmers to Benefit with ₹800 Extra Per Quintal 

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has made a landmark decision to boost the morale and financial stability of the state’s paddy farmers. In a significant announcement he declared an additional ₹800 per quintal for paddy, raising the total Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ₹3,100. This move aims to alleviate the struggles of farmers impacted by natural disasters and unfavourable market conditions. 

State Government Honours Election Promise 

Speaking at an event during the All-India Cooperative Week 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Majhi criticized the previous BJD government for the plight of the farming community. He alleged that farmers faced severe hardships, including debt-induced suicides, during the former regime. Majhi assured that such scenarios will not recur under the BJP-led government. 

“This initiative is in line with our election manifesto. The decision to provide ₹800 as input assistance per quintal was approved in our first cabinet meeting,” Majhi stated. 

Farmers to Receive Increased MSP from December 8 

The enhanced payment will officially roll out on December 8 during a state-level Kisan Sammelan in Sohela, Bargarh district. This location holds symbolic significance, as it was the same venue where former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had promised a ₹100 per quintal bonus nine years ago—a promise that remained unfulfilled. 

Majhi emphasized that the increased payment of ₹3,100 includes: 

• ₹2,300 as MSP set by the central government 

• ₹800 as input assistance from the state government 

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Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) System for Payment 

In a progressive step to ensure transparency, the Chief Minister announced that the additional payment will be credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system within 48 hours of the disbursement. 

Why the Additional Input Assistance? 

The Chief Minister highlighted the challenges faced by Odisha’s farmers, including recurring floods, cyclones, droughts, and pest infestations. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to compensating farmers for these losses and empowering them financially. 

Majhi took the opportunity to underscore the failures of the previous BJD government, accusing it of betraying the farmers. He claimed that the current BJP government is working to correct those wrongs. 

“Unlike the empty promises made earlier, we are delivering tangible benefits to our farmers. This increase will not only improve their earnings but also secure their livelihoods,” Majhi remarked. 

A Major Step Towards Farmer Welfare 

This decision is expected to significantly benefit Odisha’s paddy farmers, providing much-needed financial relief ahead of the Rabi season. It also underscores the state government’s commitment to agricultural reforms and its proactive approach to addressing farmer concerns. 

As December 8 approaches, the spotlight will remain on Sohela, where this initiative will unfold and set a new precedent for farmer welfare in Odisha. 

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