Bhubaneswar, 21 June (H.S.): Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Energy, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, on Sunday conducted an extensive review of agricultural activities and preparedness for the upcoming Kharif-2026 season during his visit to Keonjhar district.

During the field visit, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted with farmers and assessed the progress of paddy nursery raising and transplantation activities across the district. He also held discussions with farmers regarding precautionary measures being adopted in view of forecasts indicating a possible adverse monsoon influenced by El Niño conditions.

Reviewing the preparedness of the district administration and the Agriculture Department, Singh Deo emphasized the importance of advance planning and directed officials to remain fully prepared to tackle any challenges arising during the cropping season. He instructed the department to ensure effective implementation of the District Agriculture Contingency Plan and to closely monitor field-level developments.

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that timely dissemination of advisories, uninterrupted availability of agricultural inputs, and continuous engagement with farmers would be crucial in safeguarding agricultural productivity and protecting farmers’ interests during the Kharif season.

As part of his visit, Singh Deo also inspected a proposed land parcel earmarked for the establishment of model farms in Keonjhar district. The proposed facilities are expected to function as centres for agricultural demonstrations, research, technology transfer, and the promotion of modern and sustainable farming practices among cultivators.

Expressing satisfaction over the preparedness measures undertaken by the district administration and line departments, the Deputy Chief Minister said Keonjhar is well-positioned to face the challenges of the forthcoming cropping season. He expressed confidence that coordinated efforts, timely interventions, and effective field-level implementation would help ensure a successful Kharif season despite predictions of below-normal rainfall.

The visit was accompanied by Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, MLA, Telkoi and Chairperson of the District Planning Committee (DPC), Keonjhar, and Shri Akhil Chandra Nayak, MLA, Patna. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, along with the Collector and District Magistrate of Keonjhar and other senior district and departmental officials, were also present during the review.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda