State-Level Programme Held Across Jagamohanpur, Keutapada & Dhurushia

A state-level programme for the Distribution of Certified Seed Potato for Rabi–2025 under the State Sector Scheme – “Development of Potato, Vegetable & Spices” was organised today at Jagamohanpur, Keutapada and Dhurushia in Athagarh.
Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Sri Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and distributed certified seed potatoes to farmers.

Boosting Quality Seed Availability for Rabi Season

The event aims to ensure high-quality seed availability, strengthen potato production, and support farmers with improved planting material for the upcoming Rabi season.
In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Singhdeo emphasized the government’s focus on:

• Increasing potato productivity,

• Reducing dependence on imports,

• Enhancing the agricultural supply chain,

• Strengthening farmer support through various schemes.

Guests Tune in to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Arrival

Upon arrival, dignitaries, officials, and participants listened to the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, marking the programme’s beginning with a national connect.

Horticulture Director Highlights Importance of Quality Seeds

Director of Horticulture Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, in his welcome address, underlined the significance of distributing quality certified seed potatoes to boost production and ensure farmer welfare across the state.

MLA Encourages Adoption of High-Yield Varieties

Athagarh MLA Shri Ranendra Pratap Swain motivated farmers to adopt high-yielding certified potato varieties and modern cultivation practices to achieve enhanced production and profits.

OSSC Updates on Seed Supply Across the State

Managing Director, OSSC, Shri Niti Ranjan Sen, detailed the corporation’s efforts in ensuring timely availability of certified seed potatoes.
So far:

• 1,40,000 quintals of seed potato have been despatched,

• 91,633 quintals have been distributed to farmers across various districts.

In Cuttack district, 800 hectares are planned under potato cultivation during Rabi, of which 270 hectares fall under Athagarh sub-division.

Demonstration Planting Conducted for Farmers

Following the formal meeting, Certified Seed Potato Distribution was carried out. Demonstration planting activities were also conducted to guide farmers on improved cultivation methods.

Officials Present

The programme saw participation from:

• Shri Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, Collector & District Magistrate, Cuttack

• Dr. Prafulla Kumar Bhanja, Joint Director of Horticulture

• Sri Subrat Kumar Chand, Deputy Director of Horticulture

• Assistant Director (Horticulture)

• Assistant Horticulture Officers

They joined in supervising and supporting the seed distribution and demonstration activities.

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The state of Odisha has set an ambitious target to cultivate potatoes on 50,000 acres of land during the Rabi season. To support farmers, high-quality seed potatoes are being imported from Punjab and distributed across the state.

Seed Potatoes Distribution and Pricing

The seed potatoes are being sold to farmers at ₹20 per kg, with a plan to return ₹10 per kg after planting. So far, 1.0 lakh quintals of seed potatoes have been distributed across various blocks in 30 districts, and authorities aim to complete the distribution by the end of November, said Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department.

Farmers are advised to treat the seed potatoes properly and use improved cultivation methods to ensure optimal yield.

Close Supervision by State Leadership

The entire seed potato distribution process is being personally monitored by Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of potato cultivation.

Dr. Padhee emphasized the importance of quality and timely distribution, noting that the favorable climate in Odisha is expected to support a successful potato crop this season.

Key Officials Attend Meeting at Krushi Bhawan

A meeting was held at Krushi Bhawan under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Dr. Padhee to review the distribution of seed potatoes.

Officials present included:

• Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director Horticulture

• Shri Niti Ranjan Sen, Managing Director, Odisha State Seed Corporation

• Officers from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments

The meeting focused on ensuring timely delivery and proper management of the seed potatoes to guarantee a successful Rabi season for farmers.

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