The future of Odisha’s flagship financial assistance scheme for farmers, KALIA, is currently under high-level discussion, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo announced on Wednesday. This statement has sparked widespread speculation regarding the fate of the program, which was initiated by the previous BJD government in 2019.

During an assembly session, BJD MLA Gautam Buddha Das raised the question about the continuity of the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme. Addressing the query, Deputy CM Singh Deo, who also heads the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, confirmed that the discussions are ongoing.

“The high-level discussion is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of the KALIA scheme. We are considering various aspects and will make a decision that best serves the interests of our farmers,” Singh Deo stated.

Background of the KALIA Scheme

Launched in 2019, the KALIA scheme was designed to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, as well as landless agricultural laborers. The program has been instrumental in supporting farmers’ livelihoods and promoting agricultural growth in the state.

Under KALIA, farmers receive financial aid for cultivation and allied activities, while landless laborers benefit from support for livelihood activities. The scheme also includes insurance coverage and interest-free crop loans.

Farmers’ Concerns

Farmers’ groups have expressed mixed feelings about the potential changes to the KALIA scheme. While some are hopeful that the discussions will lead to improvements and greater benefits, others are anxious about the possibility of the program being discontinued.

“We rely heavily on the support provided by the KALIA scheme. Any decision to modify or end it should consider the impact on our livelihoods,” said Ramesh Patnaik, a farmer from Cuttack.

Looking Ahead

As the high-level discussions continue, the Odisha government is expected to review the outcomes and make a formal announcement regarding the future of the KALIA scheme. Stakeholders, including farmers, political leaders, and policy experts, await a decision that balances fiscal responsibility with the welfare of the agricultural community.

Deputy CM Singh Deo assured that any decision taken will be in the best interest of the farmers and aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural development in Odisha.