Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is looking to tap the diverse farming potential of Chilika and Banpur by promoting high-value crops, horticulture, organic farming and allied activities, with an emphasis on increasing farmers’ incomes and creating better market opportunities.
Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan reviewed the agriculture, horticulture and soil conservation activities in the Chilika Assembly Constituency of Khordha district at a meeting held on Thursday.
The meeting assessed the progress of various schemes in Chilika and Banpur blocks and discussed a coordinated approach to agricultural development based on the region’s soil, climate and economic potential.
Harichandan directed officials to identify crops that can deliver higher productivity and better market returns and prepare area-specific development plans accordingly. He stressed that agriculture and horticulture should be developed together to create a more sustainable and profitable farming system.
The Minister highlighted the potential of the region to produce a wide range of crops, including coconut, mango, jackfruit, cashew, paddy, moong, ragi, kangni, brinjal, pointed gourd and spine gourd.
He called for greater promotion and branding of Banpur moong, which is known for its taste and quality, to give the local produce a stronger market identity. He also suggested expanding coconut cultivation in coastal areas around Chilika.
Push for horticulture and allied activities
The Minister stressed the need to increase the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and millets while encouraging farmers to diversify beyond conventional crops.
He also called for greater focus on organic farming, floriculture and mushroom cultivation, along with fodder production, to create additional income opportunities for farming households. Officials were asked to explore innovative approaches and research-based solutions to strengthen organic and diversified farming.
To address post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ access to markets, Harichandan directed officials to identify suitable locations for establishing cold storage facilities for agricultural and horticultural produce.
Soil, water conservation measures reviewed
The meeting also focused on protecting soil resources and improving the utilisation of available water, particularly through rainwater conservation and moisture management.
Officials were asked to formulate appropriate plans for soil and moisture conservation and ensure that available water resources are used efficiently for agricultural development.
Harichandan further stressed the need to ensure that farmers receive the benefits of various State and Central government schemes in a timely and transparent manner. He called for better coordination among departments to strengthen farm-based livelihoods and contribute to the State’s Viksit Odisha vision.
District officials apprised the Minister of ongoing programmes, farmer training and capacity-building initiatives and subsidy schemes in the constituency, besides outlining plans for expanding agriculture, horticulture and soil conservation activities.
Khordha Chief District Agriculture Officer Manoranjan Mishra, Assistant Director of Horticulture Shreya Shashwati, Soil Conservation Project Director Srushti Nanda and other senior district-level officials attended the meeting.
