On Saturday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik claimed that over the past 50 years, the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation has grown into a vital part of the State. According to him, it has significantly contributed to supplying farmers with the essential water component.
The Chief Minister made this statement Thursday evening at the State Convention Center in Lok Seva Bhawan, where OLIC was celebrating its 50th founding anniversary.
It should be noted that the OLIC was founded on October 1, 1973. OLIC has irrigated about 13.50 lakh hectares of arable land during the past fifty years, making almost 30% of the state’s total irrigation capacity.
In his remarks on the state’s transformation in terms of food grain production, the chief minister noted that Odisha, which was previously known for its food shortage and poverty, has now turned into a food surplus state and is the third largest supplier of food grains to our nation’s public distribution system.
Patnaik stated that the farm sector has seen a transformation as a result of our progressive policies. Agriculture is changing as a result of sustainability, crop diversity, better water supply, and technological advancements. He recognised OLIC’s contribution to the crucial water component.
The Chief Minister emphasised the value of water by claiming that it is life and the spirit of the planet. It gives birth to and raises life. It is essential to the functioning of our food chain.
In an agrarian state like ours, farmers form the foundation of our food security system, Patnaik continued. To increase productivity and improve the standard of living for our farmers, we require a reliable and constant water supply. He emphasised that in order to accomplish our goal in this regard, numerous irrigation projects have been planned in the State.
The Chief Minister sent heartfelt greetings on the occasion and stated that it will need dedication and hard effort to provide irrigation facilities in all 30 districts in the shortest amount of time and at the lowest possible cost.
Patnaik anticipated that the organisation will implement change in the lift irrigation industry in accordance with the 5T Principles.
The Chief Minister asked the staff to comprehend the problems faced by farmers. Understanding farmers’ challenges and responding to them right away can help farmers have more faith in the system.
In order to become the most effective and dependable organisation for farmers in the state, Patnaik hoped that all of the officers and staff would work diligently as a team.
For the OLIC, the Chief Minister introduced E-Lift and ERP automation. He also published a commemorative book and established a Toll Free Number for customer connection centres.
Among those present at the event were Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu, 5T Secretary VK Pandian, and OLIC MD Archana Patnaik.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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