Odisha has intensified its preparations for the Kharif 2026 season following a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The meeting focused on the state’s agricultural preparedness and measures to minimise the possible impact of El Niño conditions.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo participated in the video conference along with senior officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Director of Agriculture Shri Shubham Saxena, Director of Soil Conservation Shri Subrat Kumar Panda, and Director of Horticulture Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the southwest monsoon is likely to remain below normal at around 92 per cent of the Long Period Average. In view of the possible rainfall deficit, eight districts — Deogarh, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur — have been placed under special monitoring.

The state government is closely watching potential challenges such as delayed sowing, moisture stress, reduced water availability in reservoirs, and possible pest outbreaks. Officials have been directed to take proactive steps to protect agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods.

Odisha has prepared a comprehensive cropping programme covering 57.88 lakh hectares for the Kharif season. To ensure timely availability of quality seeds, certified seeds are being distributed to farmers at subsidised rates. The state has also created a strategic seed reserve of 14,350 quintals, including 7,500 quintals of paddy seeds and 6,850 quintals of non-paddy seeds, to meet any mid-season contingency requirements.

The government has also ensured fertilizer availability for farmers. So far, 6.40 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers have been made available against the total seasonal requirement of 11.42 lakh metric tonnes.

To improve climate resilience and support farmers during uncertain weather conditions, the state is using technology-based solutions and awareness programmes. Crop weather advisories are being shared through the Krushi Samrudhi Helpline’s IVRS system. The ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ campaign and natural farming workshops are also being conducted across districts and blocks to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said Odisha is adopting a proactive strategy to safeguard farmers from climate-related challenges. Teams from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been put on alert for pest surveillance and management.

The state is also focusing on increasing farmer coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to provide financial protection against crop losses.

The Crop Contingency Plan has already been prepared at both state and district levels. District administrations have been instructed to develop block-level contingency plans to ensure quick response and effective management of any adverse situation during the Kharif season.

Through these coordinated measures, the Odisha government aims to reduce the risks associated with El Niño and ensure sustainable agricultural growth across the state.