Bhubaneswar, 23 June (H.S.): Odisha has intensified its preparedness for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season following a comprehensive review conducted by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan through a high-level video conference on Tuesday. The meeting focused on the state's agricultural readiness and strategies to mitigate the potential impact of El Niño-induced weather conditions.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo participated in the review along with senior officials, including Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Agriculture Director Shubham Saxena, Soil Conservation Director Subrat Kumar Panda, and Horticulture Director Kalunge Gorakh Waman.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a below-normal southwest monsoon at 92 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), the state government has placed eight districts—Deogarh, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur—under special monitoring. The administration is closely tracking risks such as delayed sowing, moisture stress, declining reservoir water levels and pest infestations.

To safeguard agricultural production, Odisha has finalized a cropping programme covering 57.88 lakh hectares during the Kharif season. The state has initiated the distribution of certified seeds at subsidized rates and created a strategic seed reserve of 14,350 quintals, including 7,500 quintals of paddy seeds and 6,850 quintals of non-paddy seeds, to address any mid-season contingencies.

The government has also ensured the availability of 6.40 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers against the total seasonal requirement of 11.42 lakh metric tonnes, ensuring uninterrupted supply to farmers during the cultivation period.

As part of its climate-resilient agriculture strategy, Odisha is leveraging technology and grassroots outreach. Crop weather advisories are being disseminated through the Krushi Samrudhi Helpline's IVRS platform, while the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ and natural farming workshops are being organized across districts and blocks to encourage sustainable agricultural practices and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.

Speaking during the review, Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo said the state has adopted a proactive approach to protect farmers from climate-related risks. Expert teams from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been placed on alert for pest surveillance and management. Simultaneously, efforts are being intensified to maximize farmer enrollment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to provide financial security against crop losses.

Singh Deo further informed that the Crop Contingency Plan has already been prepared at both the state and district levels. District administrations have been directed to formulate block-level contingency plans to ensure timely and localized responses to any adverse weather developments during the Kharif season.

Through these coordinated measures, the Odisha government aims to minimize the impact of potential El Niño conditions and ensure sustainable agricultural growth while protecting the interests of farmers across the state.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda