Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi distributed over 838 crore rupees to 41.68 lakh farmers on Monday as the fourth installment of the Chief Minister’s Farmer Scheme.

Majhi distributed the amount at the state-level Farmer’s Day 2026 celebration held at the Central Rice Research Institute in Cuttack. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, who also oversees the state’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, was present. Farmer’s Day is observed in Odisha on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Majhi said that each beneficiary of the CM-Kisan scheme, mostly small and marginal farmers, has received two thousand rupees transferred to their bank accounts as financial assistance for the upcoming Kharif crop season.

Majhi stated that among the 41,68,582 farmers who received the financial aid, 41,049 are landless and 3,292 are tribal, while the remaining 41,24,241 beneficiaries are small and marginal farmers. Majhi said, “The financial assistance provided today under the CM-Kisan scheme will help small and marginal farmers purchase seeds and fertilizers.” Under the CM-Kisan scheme, eligible farmers across Odisha receive a total of 4,000 rupees annually in two installments on the occasions of Akshaya Tritiya and Nuakhai.

Odisha’s agricultural growth rate at 5.3%, ahead of national average of 4.4%

The Chief Minister said, “Odisha’s farmers receive financial assistance of 10,000 rupees per year, of which 4,000 rupees come under the Chief Minister’s Farmer Scheme and 6,000 rupees under the Prime Minister’s Farmer Scheme.” On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Majhi and Deo performed the ‘Akhi Mutthi Anukula’ ritual, symbolizing the start of paddy sowing.

Later, the Chief Minister said in a social media post, “Our government is firmly committed to ensuring the prosperity of the state’s food providers and strengthening the agricultural economy. We are starting the direct transfer of financial assistance under the Chief Minister-Farmer Scheme for the Kharif season 2026 today.” He said that Odisha’s agricultural sector growth rate has reached 5.3 percent, significantly higher than the national average of 4.4 percent, indicating that the agricultural policies have yielded good results.

Central Rice Research Institute

The Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), located in Cuttack, Odisha, India, was established in 1946 to conduct research on rice cultivation and improvement. It played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution by developing high-yielding rice varieties and promoting sustainable farming practices. Today, it continues to advance rice science, focusing on food security and climate resilience.

Cuttack

Cuttack, one of the oldest cities in India, is located in the state of Odisha and served as the capital of the region for over 900 years until 1948. Founded in the 10th century by King Nrupa Keshari, it became a key trading hub and was later ruled by various dynasties, including the Marathas and the British. Today, Cuttack is renowned for its silver filigree work, historic forts like Barabati, and its vibrant celebration of the Bali Yatra festival.

Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is a significant annual Hindu and Jain festival celebrated on the third lunar day of the bright half of the month of Vaisakha. The word “Akshaya” means “never-diminishing,” and it is considered an auspicious day for new beginnings, purchases, and charitable acts, as any good deed performed is believed to bring eternal returns. Historically, it is associated with the beginning of the Treta Yuga and the writing of the epic Mahabharata by Lord Ganesha.