Bhubaneswar, October 1: The Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC) on Saturday observed 50th foundation day.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik graced the celebration at State Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan here.
“OLIC has become an indispensable organisation of the State in the last 50 years. It has played significant role in providing the critical component of water to farmers,” said Patnaik.
The Chief Minister launched E-Lift and ERP automation for the OLIC.
Speaking on the occasion, Water Resources Minister Tukuni Sahu highlighted the vision of the Chief Minister for the development and empowerment of farmers.
Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said that OLIC has set up over 1 lakh bore well till now and will set up another 1 lakh in next five years.
Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources) Anu Gerg highlighted the achievement of OLIC and said that OLIC has a significant role in helping farmers for crop diversification.
OLIC MD Archana Patnaik offered the vote of thanks.
OLIC was established on October 1, 1973. Over this last 50 years, OLIC has contributed to 30 per cent of the total irrigation facility of the state by irrigating over 13.50 lakh hectares of cultivable land.