Odisha Cabinet Launches 'Mukhyamantri Maka Mission' to Boost Maize Production & Marketing

The Odisha cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has unveiled a new program aimed at diversifying crops and enhancing maize production while improving the value chain for its marketing. The initiative, named Mukhyamantri Maka Mission (MMM), will receive a budget allocation of Rs 481.94 crore over the course of five years.

Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena announced that the MMM program would be implemented in a more scientific and progressive manner to facilitate an increase in the area, production, and productivity of various crops, including pulses, oilseeds, cotton, jute, and maize. This strategic move is expected to create employment opportunities in rural areas and boost the income of farmers across the state.

In support of this endeavor, the state government has decided to augment the corpus fund allocated for the procurement and prepositioning of fertilizers from Rs 90 crore to Rs 150 crore. This additional funding will ensure a more robust supply of fertilizers to support crop diversification and enhance agricultural productivity.

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Furthermore, the Odisha cabinet made a significant recommendation to include the Mundari language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution of India, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural heritage within the state.

The cabinet also announced the establishment of three new separate directorates under the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, focusing on museums, archaeology, and public libraries. These additions are expected to play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

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In another noteworthy development, the Odisha government is set to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVKM) for the establishment of a campus of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) University in Bhubaneswar. The proposed NMIMS campus will serve as a learning center that fosters national and global engagement in the field of education, with 30% of its students being admitted from the state on merit.

The state government has allocated 40 acres of land on lease in Goudakashipur, Jatni, for the establishment of this prestigious university.

Moreover, the cabinet approved a proposed bill for the amendment of the Odisha Land Reforms Act, 1960, to grant 'raiyati' rights to sub-tenants and successors-in-interest who possess land recorded as 'Sikkim,' a category of land. This amendment is expected to benefit approximately three lakh farmers across 18 districts in the state.

The cabinet also gave the green light to tenders worth approximately Rs 1,867 crore, including maintenance costs for 15 years, for the execution of four irrigation projects in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Nabarangpur, Angul, and Dhenkanal districts.

In addition, various proposals from departments such as Revenue & Disaster Management, Commerce & Transport, and Higher Education received approval, reflecting the government's commitment to the overall development and progress of Odisha.

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