Odisha Showcases Strong Agricultural Growth at National Kharif Conference in New Delhi

State records 5.3% agri growth, outperforms national average

Odisha has emerged as a key agrarian performer at the national level, reporting an estimated agricultural growth rate of 5.3% for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This is significantly higher than the national average of 3.1%, reflecting strong performance in both crop production and rural development initiatives.

The achievement was highlighted during the National Conference on Kharif held in New Delhi, where the Odisha delegation presented its roadmap and policy strategies for the upcoming agricultural season.

Record production in 2024–25 boosts confidence

The state also showcased its strong performance in the 2024–25 agricultural season, during which it produced over 150 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of food grains and 156 lakh MT of horticulture produce.

Officials said this growth trajectory is being driven by targeted farmer-centric policies, infrastructure upgrades, and increased focus on climate-resilient agriculture under the state’s long-term development frameworks, including “Vikashit Odisha @ 2036.”

Focus on Kharif 2026 planning and input support

Led by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, the Odisha delegation aligned with central government representatives on strategies for the Kharif 2026 season. The state has set an ambitious target of 57.40 lakh hectares under cultivation.

To support this plan, Odisha announced major financial allocations, including a ₹100 crore corpus fund for the supply of 4 lakh quintals of certified seeds and a ₹240 crore fund for timely availability of 11.43 lakh MT of fertilizers.

Farmer income support and digital agriculture push

Under the flagship “Samrudha Krushak Yojana,” the state has ensured paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, including additional input assistance over the Minimum Support Price (MSP), aimed at strengthening farmer incomes.

Odisha is also implementing a Digital Agriculture Mission featuring a Farmer Registry, Digital Crop Survey, and AgriStack integration to modernize agricultural service delivery and improve efficiency.

Policy demands submitted to Centre

The state submitted a detailed memorandum to the Government of India seeking policy support and funding enhancements across key agricultural schemes.

Key proposals include increasing pulse demonstration allocation under the “Mission for Atmanirbharata in Pulses” from ₹24.74 crore to ₹200 crore, expanding coverage to 2 lakh hectares, and full approval of the ₹80.50 crore Digital Crop Survey plan, of which ₹42.75 crore has already been sanctioned.

Odisha also proposed streamlining the Price Support Scheme (PSS) by reducing duplicate quality checks to ensure faster payments to farmers through MARKFED.

Push for sustainable and diversified agriculture

The state highlighted several sustainability-focused initiatives, including the “Balabhadra Jaibika Chasa Mission,” a five-year natural farming program covering 16,600 hectares, and the “Amruta Anna” scheme aimed at producing organic aromatic rice for Shree Jagannath Temple Mahaprasad.

A long-term plan to develop one lakh acres of organic Koraput coffee was also presented, aimed at empowering tribal women and strengthening high-value agriculture in the state.

Infrastructure and horticulture expansion plans

Odisha sought central support for expanding horticulture and allied sectors, including high-density cotton systems, increased borewell subsidies up to ₹1 lakh, and provisions for protective fencing in elephant-prone areas.

The state also requested revised cost norms for spice cultivation such as ginger and turmeric, proposing support of up to ₹1.50 lakh per hectare.

High-level participation

The conference was attended by senior officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (DAFE) Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Director of Agriculture Shri Shubham Saxena, and other departmental representatives who reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to long-term food security and agricultural modernization.