THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 12, 2026

With a strong focus on strengthening rural livelihoods and fostering grassroots entrepreneurship, a special workshop on the Chief Minister’s Agriculture Enterprise Scheme (Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana–MKUY) and allied enterprise promotion initiatives was held on the third day of Sisir Saras 2026. The workshop aimed to equip rural stakeholders with practical knowledge and institutional support to translate opportunities into sustainable income-generating ventures.

Organised under the supervision of the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), with the support of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Government of Odisha, the programme sought to create wide-ranging awareness among Self Help Groups, producer groups, aspiring entrepreneurs and other stakeholders about various state government schemes designed to promote rural enterprises.

The sessions highlighted the benefits available under MKUY, including subsidies, access to bank credit and technical assistance, which were explained in a simple and easily understandable manner. Participants were also engaged in discussions on enterprise opportunities in sectors such as animal husbandry, fisheries, food processing, value addition and other rural-based industries, offering a comprehensive view of livelihood options beyond traditional agriculture.

Odisha Agro Industries Corporation Ltd. (APICOL) participated as a key resource institution and shared insights on government support mechanisms for setting up rural enterprises, while also emphasizing the importance of convergence and coordination among different schemes. The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 150 SHG members and farmers, reflecting the growing interest in entrepreneurship-led rural development.

The initiative is expected to inspire rural communities to take up enterprise-driven livelihoods and marks a significant step towards building a resilient and self-reliant rural economy in Odisha.