Paperman ( Bhubaneswar )- The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL), under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment, Government of Odisha, successfully organized the State Level Bankers' Meet 2026 at Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre, Bhubaneswar.
The programme was graced by the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment, Energy, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, as the Chief Guest.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present were Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment, Shri Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture & Food Production, Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director of Horticulture, Shri Shubhranshu Mishra, Managing Director, APICOL; the Convener, State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC); General Manager, NABARD, General Manager, Reserve Bank of India (RBI); Lead District Managers (LDMs) from all districts of Odisha; and representatives of major public and private sector banks operating in the State.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Singh Deo highlighted the Government of Odisha's strong commitment towards transforming the agriculture sector into a vibrant and profitable enterprise. He underscored the critical role of banks and financial institutions in strengthening the Agri entrepreneur ecosystem of Odisha by ensuring timely and adequate credit support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Deputy Chief Minister appreciated APICOL's efforts in promoting agribusiness and creating opportunities for youth, women entrepreneurs, and FPOs under MKUY Scheme in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Singh Deo also highlighted that to promote Agri-entrepreneurship in the State, the Government has allocated ₹ 2,496.40 crore to APICOL under MKUY for the next five years.
During the meeting, deliberations were held on enhancing institutional credit flow to agri-preneurs, streamlining financing processes, improving coordination between banks and implementing agencies, and promoting greater participation of rural youth and women in agribusiness ventures. Banks & officials were felicitated on various categories.
This successful event reflects the government’s commitment to strengthen collaboration among APICOL, financial institutions, NABARD, RBI, and district-level stakeholders to promote credit linkage for the agri-entrepreneurs.
