The Odisha government recently announced a significant reduction in the financial aid provided to farmers under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme. The yearly financial support has been cut from Rs 10,000 to Rs 4,000. This reduction is a consequence of merging the state’s KALIA scheme with the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN).
Merger of KALIA and PM-KISAN
The decision to combine the KALIA initiative with the Centre’s PM-KISAN is aimed at aligning the objectives of both schemes and extending their benefits to a greater number of farmers in Odisha. Nevertheless, landless farmers, who are not included under the PM-KISAN scheme, will continue to receive Rs 10,000 annually through the KALIA programme.
About the KALIA Scheme
Launched by the Odisha Government, the KALIA or “Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation” scheme is intended to support the welfare of farmers. Previously, each farming family received Rs 10,000 as assistance for cultivation, presenting a feasible alternative to farm loan waivers. The KALIA scheme extends to various groups including small and marginal farmers, landless agricultural households, vulnerable agricultural households, landless agricultural labourers, and sharecroppers (actual cultivators).
About the PM-KISAN Scheme
Initiated in 2019, the PM-KISAN or Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi is a central sector scheme. It provides an annual support of ₹6,000 to farmers owning cultivable land up to two hectares. However, tenants and landless farmers are not covered under this scheme.
Comparative Analysis
Before we proceed to the current state of these schemes, here is a quick comparison of the KALIA and PM-KISAN schemes:
| Scheme | Year Started | Amount Given to Farmers | Covers Landless Farmers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| KALIA | Unmentioned | Rs 10,000 (now Rs 4,000) | Yes |
| PM-KISAN | 2019 | Rs 6,000 | No |
Current State and Future Implications
The reduction in financial support from the KALIA scheme is expected to affect many farmers in Odisha. The merger with PM-KISAN could potentially expand the reach of monetary assistance to more farmers, but a substantial number will experience a decrease in their annual aid. Notably, landless cultivators who are not recognised under PM-KISAN will continue to benefit from the KALIA programme. Moving forward, the consequences of this shift in policy and its effects on the farming population remain to be seen.
