By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 15, 2019: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik once again skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official programme in Bolangir and inaugurated five-day Krushi Odisha Sammilani, an annual farmers’ convention here.

The programme was organized in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), here in the capital city, Tuesday.

Addressing the gathering, Naveen spoke about various benefits of the recently-launched KALIA scheme for farmers.

“KALIA is an ideal scheme for farmers. I will be happy if farmers utilize the monetary assistance provided under the scheme and thereby increase their income,” the CM added giving credits to the farmers of the state for Odisha being awarded with Krishi Karman Award five times.

“In 2014, the Odisha Government has promised to irrigate 10 hectares of land. So far, 8 hectares of land has been provided with irrigation facility. We will achieve the target by April this year,” the CM added.

During the four day workshop, there will be 7 farmers’ scientist’s interaction on enhancing income through tuber crops, better nutritional security, backyard poultry, livestock development, climate change and agriculture, ornamental fish farming, pest and disease management, integrated farming system and enhancing farmers income through horticulture.

The developments in Agriculture and Allied Sectors and modern technologies will also be showcased in the fair.

Besides these, there will be sessions on each day for interaction of progressive farmers. There will be 9 conferences/seminars on multiplying farming income, agriculture 2.0, sea and fresh water food processing, strengthening logistics, cold chains and warehousing, farm mechanization, organic farming, enhancing water use efficiency, agri-finance and women in agriculture.

Eminent speakers and resource person from different organizations will address the seminars. Around 18 countries are invited to send delegations to this fair and to address the appropriate technical sessions at the conference.