Bhubaneswar: In a high-level video conference review on Kharif 2026 preparedness, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday assessed Odisha’s readiness and its strategy to mitigate the possible impact of El Niño.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo attended the meeting along with senior officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Director of Agriculture Shubham Saxena, Director of Soil Conservation Subrat Kumar Panda, and Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon is projected to be below normal at 92% of the Long Period Average. Eight districts—Deogarh, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur—have been placed under special monitoring due to their vulnerability to rainfall variability. The state government is focusing on mitigating risks such as delayed sowing, moisture stress, reduced reservoir water levels, and pest outbreaks.
Officials informed that Odisha has finalized a cropping programme covering 57.88 lakh hectares for the Kharif season. To ensure preparedness, a strong seed support system has been put in place, including a strategic reserve of 14,350 quintals of seeds—comprising 7,500 quintals of paddy and 6,850 quintals of non-paddy seeds—for use during contingencies. In addition, 6.40 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers have already been made available against a seasonal requirement of 11.42 lakh metric tonnes.
The state is also strengthening resilience measures through technology-driven advisories and community outreach. Weather-based crop advisories are being disseminated through the Krushi Samrudhi Helpline IVRS system. Campaigns such as ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ and district-wide workshops on natural farming are being conducted to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo said Odisha is adopting a proactive strategy focused on rapid response mechanisms and financial protection for farmers. 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. Efforts are also underway to expand farmer coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
He further stated that the Crop Contingency Plan is already in place at both the state and district levels, and districts have been directed to prepare block-level contingency plans to strengthen ground-level preparedness.
The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring stable agricultural output despite anticipated climatic challenges.
