Odisha seeks Rs 200 crore central support to boost pulses cultivation

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has sought a significant increase in central assistance for pulses cultivation, urging the Union Ministry of Agriculture to enhance funding under the pulse demonstration programme from Rs 24.74 crore to Rs 200 crore. The demand was placed during the National Conference on Kharif Campaign held in New Delhi, where the state submitted a memorandum outlining key requirements for strengthening agricultural production, improving farm infrastructure and supporting climate-resilient farming practices. According to state officials, the proposed enhancement would help expand pulse cultivation demonstrations across nearly two lakh hectares, supporting the government's broader strategy to promote crop diversification and reduce excessive dependence on paddy cultivation. Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who attended the conference, said Odisha has been focusing on increasing productivity through diversified agriculture while strengthening support systems for farmers. The state government also requested central approval of Rs 80.5 crore for its Digital Crop Survey Annual Action Plan. So far, Rs 42.75 crore has been sanctioned under the programme. Officials said the digital survey initiative is expected to improve crop data collection, streamline policy implementation and support better planning for agricultural interventions. Apart from pulses promotion, Odisha sought enhanced support for...