Bhubaneswar, 15 June (H.S.): A high-level review meeting on preparations for the Kharif agricultural season
2026, monsoon status, and possible impacts of El Niño was held at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to remain fully prepared for any eventuality arising from possible climate variability, including rainfall fluctuations linked to El Niño conditions. She stressed the need for coordinated, advance planning across departments to ensure smooth agricultural operations during the season.
Officials from the India Meteorological Department, Bhubaneswar, presented detailed forecasts covering daily, weekly, monthly, and long-range monsoon projections. According to the assessment, while El Niño conditions may lead to slightly below-normal rainfall at the national level, Odisha is unlikely to witness any significant adverse impact. Rainfall in the state is expected to remain broadly normal with minor fluctuations.
IMD officials also informed that monsoon has already begun in some coastal pockets of Odisha, and conditions remain favourable for its further progress across the state.
The meeting reviewed El Niño as an ocean-atmospheric phenomenon that influences global weather patterns, including the South-West monsoon. In view of potential variability, the state government decided to maintain heightened preparedness across sectors.
A key decision was the formation of a dedicated task force on water management and irrigation planning. The committee will focus on water availability, irrigation scheduling for Kharif and Rabi crops, efficiency improvement in irrigation systems, and optimal utilisation of water resources. The Water Resources Department will act as the nodal agency, with participation from the Agriculture and allied departments.
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department presented the Kharif-2026 preparedness plan. The state has set a target of 57.88 lakh hectares of cultivation, with irrigation coverage planned for 39.04 lakh hectares.
Seed availability has been assessed at 2.66 lakh quintals, of which over 1.18 lakh quintals have already been distributed to farmers. Additionally, 14,350 quintals have been reserved as buffer stock to address contingency requirements. Weekly review meetings are being conducted to monitor the progress of agricultural operations.
The Cooperation Department reported that fertiliser availability in the state remains satisfactory. Against a requirement of 11.43 lakh metric tonnes for the Kharif season, adequate supply has been ensured at the district level. Enforcement squads are actively monitoring and taking action against any irregularities in distribution.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the state aims to cover nearly 25 lakh farmers during the current Kharif season.
The Chief Secretary instructed departments to strengthen coordination at both state and district levels and ensure continuous monitoring of rainfall, reservoir levels, and agricultural activities. Special emphasis was laid on pest and disease management in case of deficient rainfall conditions.
She also called for increased focus on groundwater recharge, efficient water use, and promotion of micro-irrigation systems to enhance water sustainability across the state.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Aravind Kumar Padhee, Subha Sharma, Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, and Manorama Mohanty, along with other senior government officials.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
