Bhubaneswar: The government on Thursday announced two new schemes - Mukhshyamantri Abhinab Krushi Jantrapati Samman and Mukshyamantri Krushi Udyoga Yojana - to promote agricultural innovation.

Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathi said: "The objective of the schemes is to encourage farmers to go for using the innovative indigenous technology in farming. There are many farmers, who are using the indigenous technology, but they are going unnoticed. We will bring them to limelight."

Every year, 101 farmers will be given the awards under the two schemes. While 11 farmers will be awarded at the state level, 90 farmers will be given the awards at the district level.

At the state level, three farmers each will be awarded with the first and second prizes. Ten farmers will be awarded third prize. While Rs 2 lakh will be given each to the first prize holder, Rs 1.50 lakh will be given to one, who holds second rank and Rs 1 lakh to be awarded to the farmers with third prize. At the district level, each farmer will be awarded Rs 15,000 each.

Maharathi said: "We will take the help of the National Innovation Foundation for the purpose. We will simplify the procedure, so that the farmers can apply for the prize."

The department on Thursday also launched a portal - apicol.nic.in. The farmers can take the help of the portal to set up their enterprises.

Liquor haul

Police in Balasore seized a huge quantity of India-Made Foreign Liquor after a raid in the market and arrested a bootlegger. Sasi Parida of Podadiha village has been forwarded to court .