The CM Kisan Yojana Odisha, also known as the KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme, is one of the most significant welfare programs launched by the Odisha state government. Introduced in 2018 by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, this initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, landless agricultural laborers, and vulnerable groups across the state. The scheme plays a pivotal role in reducing poverty among the agricultural community and empowering farmers with financial assistance, insurance coverage, and other benefits.
This article delves into the application process for the CM Kisan Yojana, its key benefits, and the eligibility criteria for farmers to avail of this life-changing scheme.
What is CM Kisan Yojana (KALIA Scheme)?
The CM Kisan Yojana Odisha focuses on providing direct financial assistance to small and marginal farmers as well as landless agricultural laborers. The objective is to ensure that these farmers, who form the backbone of Odisha’s agrarian economy, are not burdened with loans or indebtedness. It also aims to provide them with an enhanced livelihood, stabilize their income, and offer them necessary resources for sustainable agricultural practices.
The scheme has five major components:
- Financial Assistance for Farmers: Direct benefit transfers to support farming activities.
- Livelihood Support for Landless Agricultural Households: Providing financial aid to those involved in livestock, fisheries, and other farming-related activities.
- Assistance to Vulnerable Agricultural Households: Special financial support for vulnerable groups like elderly farmers, disabled farmers, or those unable to work due to illness.
- Life Insurance for Farmers: Insurance and accident cover for agricultural workers.
- Interest-Free Crop Loans: Interest-free loans to help farmers improve their productivity and reduce dependency on private money lenders.
Key Benefits of the CM Kisan Yojana Odisha
The CM Kisan Yojana offers a variety of benefits that directly improve the well-being and financial security of Odisha’s farmers. Some of the core benefits include:
1. Direct Financial Assistance
Under the scheme, small and marginal farmers receive an annual financial assistance of ₹10,000, which is disbursed in two installments of ₹5,000 each. This amount is meant to support various agricultural activities, such as purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs essential for crop production.
2. Livelihood Support for Landless Farmers
Landless agricultural households engaged in activities like animal husbandry, beekeeping, or fisheries receive an assistance of ₹12,500 per year. This livelihood support helps landless laborers diversify their income sources and enhance their earning potential.
3. Special Support for Vulnerable Farmers
The scheme also ensures that vulnerable agricultural households, including elderly, disabled, or ailing farmers, receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹10,000 per year. This benefit is designed to support those who are not physically able to engage in labor-intensive farming activities.
4. Life Insurance and Accident Coverage
Farmers and their families are eligible for life insurance coverage under the CM Kisan Yojana. The scheme offers ₹2 lakh life insurance for farmers between the ages of 18 and 50, with the premium being borne by the state government. Additionally, accidental coverage of ₹2 lakh is provided for farmers within the same age group, offering financial protection in case of accidents or fatalities.
5. Interest-Free Crop Loans
To help farmers access formal credit systems and reduce dependency on high-interest loans from informal sources, the scheme provides crop loans at 0% interest for amounts up to ₹50,000. This benefit encourages sustainable agricultural growth and alleviates the debt burden faced by many small farmers.
Eligibility Criteria for CM Kisan Yojana Odisha
Farmers and agricultural laborers must meet certain eligibility criteria to apply for the CM Kisan Yojana Odisha. These requirements ensure that the scheme benefits the most deserving individuals who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
1. For Small and Marginal Farmers
- The applicant must be a resident of Odisha.
- The farmer should own agricultural land within the state.
- The farmer should be classified as a small or marginal farmer, meaning they should own less than 5 acres of cultivable land.
2. For Landless Agricultural Laborers
- The applicant should be involved in agricultural activities like livestock, fisheries, beekeeping, poultry farming, etc.
- The applicant must not own any agricultural land.
- The applicant must be a resident of Odisha.
3. For Vulnerable Agricultural Households
- Elderly farmers above 60 years of age, physically challenged farmers, or farmers suffering from serious illness are eligible.
- The applicant must belong to a farming household.
4. Age Limit for Insurance Coverage
- Farmers between the ages of 18 and 50 years are eligible for life insurance and accident insurance coverage under the scheme.
5. Exclusions
- Large-scale farmers who own more than 5 acres of land.
- Government employees or retired individuals receiving a pension.
- Income tax payers and professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, or business owners.
How to Apply for CM Kisan Yojana Odisha
The application process for the CM Kisan Yojana Odisha is simple and user-friendly, ensuring that even rural farmers can easily access the benefits of the scheme. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
1. Online Application Process
- Visit the official website of the KALIA Scheme: kalia.odisha.gov.in.
- On the homepage, click on the “Apply Online” option.
- You will be directed to the application form. Fill in all the required details such as your name, address, Aadhar number, bank account details, and the type of assistance you are applying for (small/marginal farmer, landless laborer, or vulnerable household).
- Upload necessary documents like proof of identity (Aadhar card), proof of residence, and bank passbook.
- After submitting the application form, a unique application ID will be generated for future reference.
2. Offline Application Process
- Farmers who do not have access to the internet can apply offline by visiting the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Gram Panchayat.
- Farmers can request the application form from the local CSC or Panchayat office.
- Fill out the form with all the required details and attach photocopies of supporting documents.
- Submit the form at the CSC or Panchayat office, where it will be processed for verification.
3. Verification and Approval
- Once the application is submitted, it goes through a verification process. The local authorities verify the eligibility of the applicant based on the information provided.
- After successful verification, the benefits are directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
4. Track Your Application
- Applicants can track the status of their application on the official KALIA website by entering their application ID or Aadhar number. The portal provides real-time updates on the status of the application.
The CM Kisan Yojana Odisha, or KALIA Scheme, has brought significant relief and support to the agricultural community in Odisha. By providing financial aid, insurance coverage, and interest-free loans, the scheme empowers small and marginal farmers to thrive without the constant worry of debt. The simple application process, both online and offline, ensures that farmers across the state can access these benefits easily.
If you are a farmer in Odisha and meet the eligibility criteria, you should consider applying for this scheme to safeguard your livelihood and secure financial assistance. With its comprehensive benefits, the CM Kisan Yojana is transforming lives and promoting sustainable growth in the agricultural sector of Odisha.
