Roadmap Prepared for Agricultural Development in Eastern India

The “Eastern Regional Agriculture Conference 2026” was held in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday with a focus on agricultural development and farmers’ welfare in eastern India. Representatives from Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal participated in the conference, where discussions were held on preparing a comprehensive roadmap for the growth of the agriculture sector in the region.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke about the future of agriculture in eastern India and highlighted the Odisha government’s major initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic condition of farmers.

Union Agriculture Minister Praises Odisha’s Farming Sector

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised Odisha’s agricultural growth and the contribution of farmers during the conference.

He said Odisha has created a major record in paddy procurement this year and described farmers as the “annadatas” or providers of food. He stated that if there is a second form of God on earth, it is the farmer.

The Union Minister also highlighted the fertile land, abundant water resources, and favourable climate of eastern India, saying these factors would become strong drivers for the development of farmers in the region.

Emphasis on Natural Farming and Soil Health

Keeping global agricultural challenges in mind, Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the need to promote natural farming. He urged farmers to adopt natural farming practices on at least 20 percent of their agricultural land.

According to him, this would gradually reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and help maintain soil fertility. He also warned against the growing use of fake fertilisers and pesticides and announced that the Centre would take strict action against those involved in such illegal activities.

The Union Minister further informed that a new Pesticide Act would be introduced to ensure greater protection for farmers.

CM Mohan Majhi Calls for Protection of Soil

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in his address, emphasised the importance of protecting soil health and promoting organic and natural farming.

He said excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is gradually making agricultural land toxic. The Chief Minister also revealed that organic rice produced in Odisha is now being used for preparing Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath, calling it a matter of pride for the people of the state.

He urged agricultural scientists to carry out extensive research to promote more organic farming in eastern India.

Revival of Traditional Food Crops

The Chief Minister also spoke about efforts being made to revive traditional and forgotten food crops at the block level. He said the government has initiated special programmes to restore indigenous crop varieties that are gradually disappearing.

Government Plans Cold Storages in All Sub-Divisions

To strengthen agricultural infrastructure and market connectivity, the Odisha government has launched financial assistance schemes for setting up cold storage facilities in all 58 sub-divisions of the state.

Under the “Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana,” subsidies of up to Rs 1 crore are being provided to encourage investment in the agriculture sector.

Over 1,800 FPOs Active in Odisha

The Chief Minister informed that more than 1,800 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are functioning successfully in Odisha and have recorded business transactions worth Rs 126 crore over the last two years.

Coffee Plantation Expansion in Odisha

The state government is also focusing on expanding coffee plantations across six districts, including Koraput and Kalahandi, covering nearly one lakh acres of land.

Mohan Majhi said Koraput coffee has already established a unique identity in the global market and stressed the need for stronger branding to further increase its demand.

Huge Scope for Agricultural Growth in Eastern India

The Chief Minister pointed out that agricultural productivity in eastern India remains lower compared to many other parts of the country, leaving significant opportunities for growth and improvement.

He added that the conference would provide an important platform for the five participating states to learn from each other’s best agricultural practices and experiences.