THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR/BALANGIR, MAY 27, 2026

In a proactive move to shield farmers from the looming threat of below-normal rainfall and possible El Niño conditions, the Odisha Government on Wednesday rolled out an extensive Kharif 2026 preparedness and crop contingency strategy, focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, fertilizer security, crop insurance, and real-time agro-advisories.

Chairing a high-level virtual review meeting, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture, Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo directed all departments, district administrations, and research institutions to function in close coordination to protect farmers’ interests during the upcoming agricultural season.

Addressing district authorities through video conference, Singh Deo emphasized the need for timely preparedness in view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of a below-normal South-West monsoon and the potential impact of El Niño over the state.

As part of the state’s preparedness roadmap, the government has instructed the Odisha State Seeds Corporation to ensure timely distribution of certified seeds by the first week of June, with priority accorded to remote and vulnerable districts. Special emphasis has been laid on short and medium-duration varieties of paddy, pulses, oilseeds, and millets in rain-deficit regions to minimize crop risks.

The state has also decided to actively promote crop diversification in upland and rainfed areas, while adopting a Community Nursery Approach in the event of delayed monsoon conditions. Adequate reserve stocks of paddy, pulses, and oilseed seeds will also be maintained to tackle any weather-related emergency.

To strengthen fertilizer security, MARKFED, PACS, and LAMPCS have been directed to ensure seamless last-mile delivery of fertilizers to farmers. District Collectors have been instructed to maintain strict vigil against black marketing, hoarding, and illegal diversion of fertilizers, with the state announcing zero-tolerance enforcement measures.

The Agriculture Department will simultaneously promote balanced nutrient management through Soil Health Cards, green manuring, and water conservation initiatives to improve long-term soil productivity.

In a major relief for cultivators, officials were directed to maximize farmer enrollment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The Odisha Government will bear the complete premium amount of the farmer’s share for up to two hectares per farmer, while beneficiaries will only need to pay a token validation fee of ₹1 per application.

The meeting also stressed the urgent completion of the Farmer Registry drive, making registration mandatory for seamless access to PM-KISAN, CM-KISAN, subsidized seeds and fertilizers, and government procurement benefits.

To provide scientific support at the grassroots level, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), through its Krishi Vigyan Kendras, will issue real-time, location-specific weather advisories and technical guidance on pest management and stress-tolerant crop varieties. Crop advisories will also be displayed prominently on LED screens at district and state levels to ensure wider outreach among farmers.

District contingency teams and field officers have been instructed to remain fully active throughout the Kharif season by regularly visiting villages, directly interacting with farmers, and conducting awareness drives on dry-spell preparedness and climate-resilient farming practices.

The review meeting was attended by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Agriculture & FE) Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Co-operation Department) Rajesh Pravakar Patil, OUAT Vice Chancellor Dr. Pravat Kumar Roul, Director of Agriculture & Food Production Shubham Saxena, Director Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, IMD Director Dr. Manorama Mohapatra, Balangir Collector Gourav Shivaji Isalwar, along with senior departmental officials.