Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Odisha has emerged as the best-performing state in fund utilization under the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 2.0. Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed the WDC-PMKSY 2.0 projects of all states and UTs of J&K and Ladakh via video conference.
Odisha achieved first rank, utilizing 83% of the allocated funds since the project’s inception. The project spans FY 2021-22 to 2025-26 with a total outlay of ₹759.27 crore, shared between the Centre (60%) and the State (40%).
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo presented the fund utilization figures to the Union Minister. Shri Chouhan praised the Odisha government for its efficient use of allocated funds under WDC-PMKSY 2.0.
Shri Singh Deo also announced that seven additional projects have been sanctioned under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 for FY 2025-26. These projects will cover 30,212 hectares with a total outlay of ₹82.10 crore, aimed at improving the productive potential of rainfed and degraded lands through integrated watershed management.
Rural Development, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Minister Shri Rabi Narayan Naik, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmer’s Empowerment Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Director of Soil Conservation & Watershed Management Shri Subrat Kumar Panda, and other senior officials participated in the video conference.
Odisha’s leadership in PMKSY 2.0 demonstrates the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and integrated watershed management, setting an example for other states to follow.
