Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Tuesday, the Odisha government plans to disburse Rs 804 crore under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) initiative, which will help 40 lakh farmers in the state.
"The Odisha government will be distributing Rs 804 crores in the bank accounts of 40 lakh farmers in the state," said Odisha Agriculture Minister Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo in a newspaper advertisement published Tuesday morning.
In comparison to other states, Odisha today ranks first in paddy procurement and fisheries, the minister said. During Bhumi Pujan, the Agriculture Minister appeared as the Chief Guest and initiated the Akhi Muthi Anukula. In addition, he opened an exhibition display at the State Level Farm Machinery Testing and Training Centre in Baramunda, Bhubaneswar, and ploughed a field with a farmer.
The agrarian festival Akshaya Tritiya commemorates the start of agricultural activity in the state and is marked by the performance of 'Akhi Muthi Anukula.' The ceremonial ritual of planting seeds in paddy fields after ploughing is known as Akhi Muthi Anukula.
Farmers dress in new clothes and bring a decorated basket of seeds to their fields as part of the traditions. These seeds are then offered to Goddess Lakshmi, along with a prayer for a bountiful crop.
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