Bhubaneswar, Jan 14 (IANS): Kalahandi is no longer a laboratory to study poverty, but it has become a role model of development in the country, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday.

Patnaik launched projects worth over Rs 2,085 crore in the district as he addressed his first public meeting in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic.

"Some people wanted to make Kalahandi as a laboratory of poverty. The image of the district has changed after 2000. Today, Kalahandi is a model of development for the whole country," said the Chief Minister.

He said the district is no longer the land of hunger and it has turned into a rice bowl.

He said the district now holds the second position in the state in rice production due to the hard work and commitment of the farmers.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated 54 projects worth Rs 1,064 crore and laid the foundation of 52 projects worth Rs 1,020 crore.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the Upper Indravati Lift Canal System constructed at cost of Rs 987 crore.

The mega irrigation project would provide water to around 25,275 hectares land in Koksara, Dharmagarh and Jaypatna block in the district.

The other projects include irrigation, water supply, road, infrastructure development and electricity to further expedite development.