Bhubaneswar, Jan 15 (IANS): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) has emerged as the pioneering scheme across the country.

Patnaik said the scheme would not only pave the way for the progress of Odisha farmers, but also of the whole country.

It is the biggest scheme of the state government with an expenditure of Rs 10,000 crore. It is an ideal scheme for the farmers of whole country, the Chief Minister said after inaugurating the five-day-long 'Krushi Odisha-2019' here.

He said the KALIA scheme will benefit small farmers, sharecroppers and agricultural labourers.

"Odisha has been a pioneering state in bringing out agrarian reforms. We have been presenting separate agriculture budgets with massive increase in allocation for the sector," said Patnaik.

He said the state government has intensified its efforts to enhance farmers' income with sustainable agricultural practices by promoting efficient extension and production technology, post-harvest solutions, effective value addition and remunerative market options.

"Our relentless effort to enhance farmers' income will be truly realised when beneficiaries leverage the benefits of the scheme to boost their income," the Chief Minister tweeted.