A preparatory meeting on impending rainfall was convened today under the chairmanship of Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department. The session was attended by Shri Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture, Smt. Manorama Mohapatra, Director of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and Prof. Prasannajit Mishra, Dean of OUAT, among other senior officials.

Officials discussed the possibility of scattered rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of Odisha, particularly along the coastal districts, following the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. The IMD clarified that no cyclone formation has been confirmed so far, though vigilance is required due to the potential for lightning and localised storms.

Guidelines for Farmers

Dr. Padhee advised farmers to adhere strictly to IMD instructions and avoid being influenced by misleading information circulating on weather developments. He also reassured farmers that this year, Odisha has received 100 percent of normal rainfall, which is expected to result in a good crop yield.

Farmers were instructed to contact the helpline 155333 or reach out to their nearest Regional Agricultural Research Center or Agriculture Officer for guidance in case of any concerns.

Departmental Coordination and Support

Senior officers from multiple departments were present to coordinate preparedness measures and ensure that farmers are informed about safety precautions during thunderstorms. The meeting also involved reviewing advisory guidelines to minimize potential crop damage and maintain agricultural productivity.

The advisory emphasizes prudent field management, timely harvesting, and protective measures against adverse weather to safeguard the current season’s crops.

The post Odisha Agriculture Department Holds Preparatory Meeting Ahead of Potential Rainfall appeared first on Odisha Connect.