Odisha Accelerates Potato Mission; Farmers to Get Subsidised Seeds This Rabi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is gearing up for an ambitious push in potato cultivation this Rabi season, with the state setting a target of covering 50,000 acres under the crop. To support farmers and ensure high productivity, the government is supplying authentic, high-quality seed potatoes sourced from Punjab at a subsidised rate of ₹20 per kg. Farmers will further receive an incentive of ₹10 per kg after planting the certified seeds in their fields.

Briefing on the progress, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee informed that nearly 1 lakh quintals of quality seed potatoes have already been distributed across various blocks in all 30 districts. The remaining supply is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Dr. Padhee urged farmers to properly treat the seeds and adopt improved agronomic practices to maximise yields. He also noted that Odisha’s favourable winter climate would significantly support the success of potato cultivation this season.

He highlighted that the seed distribution process is being closely monitored by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who has been personally overseeing the logistics to ensure timely and efficient delivery to farmers.

A review meeting on seed distribution was held at Krushi Bhawan, chaired by Dr. Padhee. Among those present were Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Managing Director of the Odisha State Seed Corporation Niti Ranjan Sen, and senior officers from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments.