Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday rolled out a comprehensive preparedness strategy for the Kharif 2026 season in view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of below-normal South-West monsoon rainfall and the possible impact of El Niño conditions.

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture, Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo chaired a high-level virtual review meeting and directed all departments, district administrations and research institutions to work in close coordination to protect farmers from potential weather-related challenges.

Addressing officials through video conference, Singh Deo stressed the need for timely planning, climate-resilient agriculture practices and uninterrupted support to cultivators during the upcoming cropping season.

Focus on Climate-Resilient Farming

As part of the contingency strategy, the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) has been directed to ensure the timely supply of certified seeds by the first week of June, especially in remote and vulnerable districts.

The government has also asked officials to prioritise short and medium-duration varieties of paddy, pulses, oilseeds and millets in areas likely to face rainfall deficits.

To reduce risks arising from delayed monsoon conditions, district administrations have been instructed to promote crop diversification in upland and rainfed areas. Authorities will also adopt a community nursery approach if monsoon onset is delayed.

The OSSC has further been directed to maintain adequate buffer stocks of paddy, pulse and oilseed seeds to tackle any emergency situation during the season.

Measures to Ensure Fertiliser Availability

The state government has directed agencies, including MARKFED, PACS and LAMPCS, to ensure smooth last-mile delivery of fertilisers to farmers across Odisha.

District Collectors have been asked to closely monitor fertiliser distribution and take strict action against black marketing, hoarding and illegal diversion. The government announced a zero-tolerance approach towards such irregularities.

Field teams will also encourage balanced nutrient management based on Soil Health Cards, along with green manuring and water conservation measures.

Push for Crop Insurance and Farmer Registration

The state government has asked officials to maximise farmer enrollment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

To reduce the financial burden on farmers, the Odisha government will bear the entire farmer’s premium share for cultivators owning up to two hectares of land. Farmers will only need to pay a token validation fee of Re 1 per application.

District administrations have also been instructed to expedite the Farmer Registry process, which has been made mandatory for availing benefits under schemes such as PM-KISAN, CM-KISAN, subsidised seed and fertiliser purchases, and government procurement.

Real-Time Agro-Advisories Planned

The government said the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), through its Krishi Vigyan Kendras, will provide real-time weather-based agro-advisories and technical guidance on pest management and stress-tolerant crop varieties.

Crop advisories will also be displayed on LED screens at district and state levels for wider dissemination among farmers.

District contingency teams and field officers have been directed to remain active throughout the Kharif season and conduct regular village visits and awareness programmes on dry-spell preparedness.

The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Co-operation Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Rajesh Pravakar Patil, OUAT Vice Chancellor Pravat Kumar Roul, Director of Agriculture & Food Production Shubham Saxena, Director Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, IMD Director Manorama Mohapatra and Balangir Collector Gourav Shivaji Isalwar.