Industry Odisha Bureau,May 27: In response to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of below-normal South-West monsoon rainfall and potential El Nino impacts in the state, the Odisha government has rolled out robust contingency and preparedness strategy to deal with the situation.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo today chaired a high-level virtual review meeting to deploy a comprehensive Kharif 2026 crop contingency and preparedness strategy.
Addressing district administrations via video conference, Singh Deo issued a directive for all departments, district authorities, and research institutions to work in absolute coordination to safeguard farmers’ interests during the upcoming season.
He asked the Managing Director of Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) to ensure the timely distribution of certified seeds by the first week of June 2026, prioritizing remote and vulnerable districts.
In areas vulnerable to rain deficits, authorities were asked to ensure an adequate supply and focus on short and medium-duration paddy, pulses, oilseeds, and millet seeds.
The district teams were told to actively promote crop diversification in upland and rainfed areas. In the event of a delayed monsoon, a Community Nursery Approach will be adopted, officials said.
Singh Deo instructed the OSSC to maintain an adequate reserve stock of paddy, pulses, and oilseed seeds to handle any weather-related exigencies.
MARKFED, PACS, and LAMPCS were directed to ensure seamless, last-mile fertilizer delivery to farmers. Uninterrupted supply must be maintained by fertilizer companies despite global market uncertainties; the Deputy CM told the Babus.
District Collectors have been instructed to closely supervise fertilizer distribution. The state will enforce zero-tolerance measures against black marketing, hoarding, and illegal diversion of fertilizers.
Field teams will promote balanced and integrated nutrient management based on individual Soil Health Cards, alongside green manuring and water conservation practices.
He further advised the officials to maximize farmer enrollment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). To minimize the financial burden on cultivators, the State Government is bearing the complete premium of the farmer’s share (up to 2 hectares per farmer), requiring only a token validation fee of Rs 1 per application.
District teams were asked to accelerate and complete their Farmer Registry targets. Registration is mandatory for farmers to seamlessly access benefits under PM-KISAN, CM-KISAN, subsidized fertilizer/seed purchases, and government procurement.
Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), through its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), will provide real-time, location-specific, weather-based agro-advisories. OUAT will also extend technical support for pest management and stress-tolerant crop varieties.
Crop advisories will be prominently displayed on LED screens at both district and state levels to maximize reach.
District contingency teams were directed to remain fully active throughout the Kharif season. Field officers are mandated to regularly visit villages, interact directly with farmers, and conduct extensive awareness programs regarding dry-spell preparedness.
