Cuttack: On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi gave farmers a festive windfall by releasing Rs 838.48 crore under the CM Kisan Assistance scheme directly into their bank accounts.

The move benefits 41.68 lakh cultivators, each receiving Rs 2,000 in support.

Announcing the release during the state-level Krushak Divas celebration in Cuttack, Majhi said the scheme covers 41,27,533 small farmers and 41,049 landless farmers. He highlighted Odisha's rising agricultural profile, noting a growth rate of 5.3 percent, second place nationally in paddy production, and foodgrain output of 15 lakh metric tons.

However, the Chief Minister cautioned that farmers who have not completed e-KYC, linked Aadhaar, or provided required documents will miss out on the benefit unless they update their details promptly.

Majhi also performed the traditional Akhi Muthi Anukula ritual at the Central Rice Research Institute, symbolizing the start of the sowing season. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo joined the ceremony, underscoring the government's show of solidarity with the farming community.