Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Monday approved the restructuring of the Odisha Horticulture Services (OHS) cadre, increasing the total sanctioned strength from 403 to 470 posts.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Odisha Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday, in view of the expanding scope of horticulture activities in the State and the growing workload and responsibilities of horticulture officers involved in planning, implementation and monitoring of various government interventions.
Under the restructuring, the number of Additional Directors of Horticulture will increase from one to two, while the number of Joint Directors of Horticulture will rise from two to seven. The sanctioned posts of Chief District Horticulture Officers (CDHOs)/Deputy Directors of Horticulture (DDHs) will increase from 23 to 34.
Similarly, the number of Assistant Directors of Horticulture (ADHs) will see a significant increase from 63 to 108. At the Group-B level, the sanctioned strength of Assistant Horticulture Officers (AHOs) will increase from 314 to 319.
Overall, the restructuring will add 67 posts to the existing cadre strength.
The Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department said horticulture has considerable potential in Odisha due to the State’s natural advantage for the cultivation of a diversified range of fruits, vegetables, spices, tubers and flowers.
Over the past few years, the State Government has undertaken several initiatives focusing on crop diversification, post-harvest management and climate-resilient agriculture. The Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture is among the initiatives aimed at expanding the reach of such interventions among farmers.
The government expects the restructuring to strengthen administrative and technical manpower, particularly at the field level, and facilitate faster and more efficient delivery of services to farmers.
The revised cadre structure is also expected to provide horticulture officers with enhanced promotional avenues and better career progression opportunities within the Odisha Horticulture Services.
The restructuring will come into force from the date of issuance of the notification containing the rules framed for the purpose in the Odisha Gazette.
