Odisha Govt Launches Financial Assistance Program for Betel Leaf and Kewra Farmers

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has introduced a financial assistance program aimed at supporting betel leaf and kewra farmers in the region. Under this initiative, betel leaf farmers with plantations covering at least 200 square meters of land will qualify for the scheme. The Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment department is set to develop specific guidelines for this program.

Eligible betel leaf farmers will receive financial aid amounting to Rs 2,500 per unit of betel leaf farming, with a maximum of two units allowed per farmer. Additionally, these farmers will have access to interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 lakh.

To further boost the betel leaf industry in Odisha, the state government plans to offer subsidies to betel leaf processing units. The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL) will prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for this purpose.

In a bid to support kewra growers in Ganjam district, the state government has decided to include them under the National Horticulture Mission. Financial aid for kewra farmers will be provided from the state’s own resources, particularly to help them recover from losses incurred due to natural calamities. The Agriculture Department and Ganjam district administration will collaborate to develop the scheme’s operational details.

Furthermore, efforts will be made to integrate kewra flower processing units into the Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, a flagship agriculture and industry scheme of the Odisha government. Technical assistance for kewra growers in Ganjam will be sourced from institutions like the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) to enhance their agricultural practices. These initiatives aim to bolster the betel leaf and kewra farming sectors in Odisha, providing essential support to local farmers.