Odisha Gears Up for Robust Kharif Season Amid Mild El Niño Concerns

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated comprehensive preparations for the upcoming Kharif season, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg chairing a high-level review meeting to assess readiness across departments.

Despite forecasts of mild El Niño conditions, experts predict near-normal rainfall in many regions of the state.

To mitigate risks, a dedicated Water Task Force has been formed under the Water Resources Department to oversee real-time water availability, irrigation planning, reservoir management, and micro-irrigation efficiency.

Agriculture targets include cultivating 57.88 lakh hectares, with 39.04 lakh hectares under assured irrigation.

The state has already distributed over 1.18 lakh quintals of seeds against a planned supply of 2.66 lakh quintals.

Fertiliser requirements stand at 11.43 lakh metric tonnes, with district-level stocks reported satisfactory.

Nearly 25 lakh farmers are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, ensuring financial protection against crop losses.

Weekly review meetings, pest and disease management strategies, crop diversification, and contingency plans such as community nurseries are being emphasised to safeguard productivity.

Officials highlighted that Odisha’s proactive measures, including strong inter-departmental coordination and farmer support through helplines, will help the state turn challenges into opportunities for resilient agriculture.