Adopting 360-degree reform approach, Odisha releases draft ‘Agricultural Policy 2019’
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Bhubaneshwar, Aug. 10: Odisha is rich in agriculture and livestock with 61.8% of the working population are engaged in agricultural activities. Now, revolutionize the life of Odia farmers, Odisha government presented draft ‘State Agriculture Policy 2019’ which aimed to the continuation of Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme for the next five years and steps for increasing income of farmers on Friday.
This draft stated, Odisha's Agriculture Policy 2019 is focused on farmers' well-being and is formulated to build on the inherent strengths of its agriculture and allied sectors, to address the constraints it faces and to make optimal use of resources and opportunities emerging on account of advancement in technology, and the emergence of accelerated economic growth in the state and the country.
The policy focuses on actualization of the vast untapped potential of Odisha agriculture, strengthening the economic and social well-being of its farmers, sharecroppers, and landless laborers while ensuring the growth process is environmentally, economically and technologically inclusive, scalable and sustainable.
After the implementation of policy, The state farmers' incomes grew more than seven times between 2002-03 and 2015-16. During this period, the monthly average income of a farmer was increased from Rs 1,062 to Rs 7,731 indicating a growth of 16.5% in nominal terms and 8.4% in real terms.
The Odisha government announced its first agriculture policy in 1996 and subsequent policies were announced in 2008 and 2013.