Bhubaneswar: The area under paddy cultivation in Odisha during the current Kharif season (2026-27) stands at 36.18 lakh hectares as on 19 September 2026, according to the first advance estimates placed in the Odisha Assembly, informed Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
Replying to a question by MLA Pratap Kesari Deb, Agriculture Minister Singh Deo informed the House that the district-wise details of paddy coverage have been provided as per the preliminary assessment. Mayurbhanj leads with 3.15 lakh hectares, followed by Bargada (2.59 lakh ha), Ganjam (2.12 lakh ha), Sundaragada (1.98 lakh ha) and Balangir (1.86 lakh ha).
Comparing with previous years, the total paddy area was 37.49 lakh hectares in 2024-25 and 39.42 lakh hectares in 2025-26. Against the previous year’s figure, the current coverage shows a decline of 3.24 lakh hectares so far, Singh Deo further informed.
However, seven districts have registered an increase in paddy area this year. These include Bargada (up by 0.16 lakh ha), Khordha (0.16 lakh ha), Puri (0.14 lakh ha), Kataka (0.13 lakh ha), Nuapada (0.03 lakh ha), Jagatsinghpur (0.02 lakh ha) and Nayagada (0.02 lakh ha).
The Minister clarified that the figures are provisional. The final coverage under paddy for Kharif 2026 will be known only after the completion of the season and the area may increase further based on actual achievement.
