The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi launching programme in Odisha was organized at ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar on 24th February, 2019. The programme was formally launched at national level by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. A Kisan mela cum live webcast/ telecast of this launching programme was organized at the Institute in which about 1500 farmers, Govt. Officials and Scientists participated. The inaugural function was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon'ble Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi as Chief Guest and Mr. P. K. Swain, Jt. Secretary (Marketing), Dept. of Agriculture & Cooperation, Govt. of India, New Delhi as guest of honour. The launching programme was arranged in a short notice in which all the scientific and supporting staff of ICAR-CIWA worked day and night for 2 days with full dedication under the guidance of Mr P.K.Swain, nodal officer of this programme for Odisha. Hon'ble Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat arrived on 23, February 2019 and reviewed the progress of work and appreciated the development of preparedness for launching programme.

The function was initiated with plantation of trees by Hon'ble Minister Shri G.S. Shekhawat followed by Mr. P. K. Swain, Jt. Secretary(Marketing), Dept. of Agriculture cooperation & farmers' welfare. At the outset, Mr. P. K. Swain welcomed all the delegates and farmers. Hon'ble Minister Shri G.S. Shekhawat, signified the importance and potential of several newly launched Govt. schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi in Doubling Farmer's Income by 2022. in The event offered an opportunity for several farmers representing from 40 villages across Odisha to attend the live webcast of PM Mann ki Baat, followed by detail elaboration of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi programme. One of the progressive farm women, Smt. Gouri Mohapatra of Nuasahi village of Puri district enthusiastically interacted live with the Hon'ble PM and expressed her gratitude for the benefits which she availed from several Govt. schemes aiming to double the farm income. The benefits of the scheme were vividly explained to the farming community, thus adding new dimensions to their existing pattern of assistance in agriculture from the Central Government. The programme was displayed through big size LED panel and LED TV in 4 locations in which about 1500 farmers were accommodated to view the function. The live video conferencing with Hon'ble Prime Minister during the launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana from Gorakhpur,UP is also presented. The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Dr S.K srivastatva, Director, ICAR-CIWA. The programme was successfully coordinated by Dr B. Sahoo, Pr. Scientist, ICAR-CIWA.