Bhubaneswar/Keonjhar: Deputy Chief Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, on Sunday visited Keonjhar district and reviewed the preparedness for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season, along with ongoing agricultural activities in the region.
During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister interacted directly with farmers in the field and assessed the status of paddy nursery raising and transplanting operations. He discussed with farmers the measures being adopted in view of the possibility of an El Niño-induced adverse monsoon situation and reviewed the ground-level preparedness of the district administration and the Agriculture Department.
Emphasising the need for proactive planning, Singh Deo directed Agriculture Department officials to remain fully prepared for any eventuality and to ensure the meticulous implementation of the District Agriculture Contingency Plan. He stressed that timely advisories, adequate availability of agricultural inputs, and close monitoring of field conditions would be essential to safeguard farmers’ interests during the cropping season.
The Deputy Chief Minister also visited a proposed land parcel identified for the establishment of model farms in the district. These farms are envisaged to serve as centres for agricultural demonstrations, research, technology dissemination, and the promotion of best farming practices among farmers.
Expressing satisfaction over the preparedness measures undertaken by the district administration and line departments, Singh Deo conveyed confidence that Keonjhar district is well prepared for Kharif 2026. He expressed hope that, despite forecasts of a below-normal monsoon, timely interventions and coordinated efforts would help ensure a successful cropping season.
Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, MLA, Telkoi and Chairperson of the District Planning Committee (DPC), Keonjhar, and Akhil Chandra Nayak, MLA, Patna, accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during the visit. Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, the Collector and District Magistrate, Keonjhar, and other senior district and departmental officials were also present during the tour.
