Bhubaneswar: More than 35.38 lakh eligible farmers in Odisha received Rs 707.60 crore under the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme today.

Under the latest instalment, Rs 2,000 each has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide disbursement from a programme held at Banaskantha in Gujarat. Across the country, more than 9.34 crore farmers received financial assistance totalling Rs 18,690 crore.

In Odisha, a state-level programme was organised at the Krushi Shiksha Sadan of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh and Khurda MLA Prashant Jagdev attended the programme and watched the live telecast of the Prime Minister's address.

The Chief Minister also interacted directly with farmers from different parts of Odisha.

CM urges farmers to register on AgriStack portal

Addressing the gathering, Majhi said the Centre has introduced several initiatives to strengthen farmers financially and ensure their rightful benefits. The Chief Minister said the state government is taking steps to ensure that no eligible farmer in Odisha is deprived of PM-KISAN benefits.

He urged farmers who had not yet registered to visit their nearest revenue or agriculture office and complete their registration on the AgriStack portal.

He said the overall development of Odisha is closely linked to the economic progress and prosperity of its farming community.

CM-KISAN provides additional support

Highlighting the state government's initiatives, Majhi said Odisha is implementing its own CM-KISAN scheme alongside the Centre's PM-KISAN programme.

Under CM-KISAN, small and marginal farmers receive Rs 4,000 annually, while landless agricultural households are provided Rs 12,500 as livelihood assistance. Farmers in urban areas and those belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) have also been included in the scheme.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Krushi Vidya Nidhi scholarship scheme, which provides financial assistance to children of CM-KISAN beneficiaries pursuing higher education in medical, engineering, agriculture and other technical courses.

During 2024-25, a total of 13,923 students received scholarships worth Rs 53.69 crore. The number increased nearly fivefold in 2025-26, with 68,910 students receiving Rs 291.60 crore.

Farmers to get Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy

The Chief Minister also referred to the Samrudh Krushak Yojana, under which farmers are being paid Rs 3,100 per quintal of paddy. He said lakhs of farmers have registered under the scheme this year.

Compensation for crop damage

Referring to crop losses caused by heavy rainfall, floods and post-cyclone rain in several districts, Majhi assured farmers that the government would stand by them during difficult times.

He said the government would assess the extent of crop damage and provide appropriate compensation to affected farmers as early as possible in accordance with the prescribed norms.