Odisha Plans Large-Scale Potato Cultivation to Achieve Self-Reliance

Deputy CM Chairs High-Level Agriculture Meeting

A high-level meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo to discuss strategies for making Odisha self-reliant in potato cultivation. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Shri Shubham Saxena, Director Agriculture, and Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director Horticulture.

Potato Seeds to Be Provided in Advance

Deputy CM Singhdeo directed that potato seeds be provided to farmers in advance to ensure timely cultivation. Approximately 3 lakh potato seeds are required for more than 50,000 acres of land. Districts have been asked to submit their seed requirements to the Agriculture Department promptly. The department has planned smooth logistics to supply seeds from the first week of November, distributed according to block-wise demand.

Expansion of Other Crop Cultivation

Apart from potatoes, the meeting also addressed plans for other crops:

• Onion: 600 quintals of seeds for 6,000 hectares

• Chillies: 100 quintals of seeds for 1,000 hectares

• Garlic: 7,500 quintals of seeds for 300 hectares

Farmers facing seed shortages are advised to contact the Agriculture Department helpline 155333 or reach out to the nearest Horticulture Officer for assistance.

Participation of Key Officials

The meeting included officers from the Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, and Odisha Seed Corporation, ensuring coordinated efforts for smooth seed distribution and crop planning across the state.