Odisha Agriculture Department Sets Up Cyclone Control Room, Helpline for Farmers

Bhubaneswar, October 24: The Odisha Agriculture Department has stepped up preparedness to protect crops and support farmers in view of the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab and depression-induced heavy rainfall. A dedicated control room and toll-free helpline will become operational from October 25 to provide farmers with crop management advice and weather-related guidance.

The measures were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo at Krushi Sameeksha Kendra in Krushi Bhawan.

Singh Deo directed agriculture officials to remain at their respective headquarters and extend necessary assistance to farmers during the period. He asked the department to reassure farmers against panic and encourage them to follow advisories issued by local agriculture officers to minimise potential crop losses.

As part of the preparedness measures, the leave of all agriculture officers has been cancelled from October 25 to November 7. They have been instructed not to leave their district headquarters to ensure prompt response to farmers’ needs and weather-related developments.

Toll-free helpline from October 25

The Agriculture Department will operate a dedicated control room and toll-free helpline, 155333, from October 25. Farmers can call between 8 am and 8 pm for guidance on crop management and weather-related precautions.

Agriculture officers have also been directed to conduct field inspections promptly after the cyclone and heavy rainfall to assess crop damage and facilitate timely assistance. Agriculture Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav asked officials to remain on high alert, widely circulate agricultural advisories and keep district administrations informed of departmental instructions.

Heavy rain forecast, crop protection measures stressed

During the meeting, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Manorama Mohanty briefed officials on the prevailing situation concerning the potential Cyclone Arnab. She said heavy to very heavy rainfall was expected, with wind speeds likely to reach 60–80 kmph.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) Vice-Chancellor Prabhat Kumar Raul presented agricultural advisories aimed at protecting paddy and non-paddy crops from adverse weather conditions.

The meeting was attended by Jadhav, Mohanty, Raul and Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development Subrat Kumar Panda. District Agriculture Officers, Horticulture Officers and Soil Conservation Officers from across the state joined the review virtually.

The department said it was closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and taking precautionary measures to ensure operational readiness. Farmers have been advised to follow official guidance, take necessary steps to protect their crops and livestock, and prioritise their safety.

The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers during natural calamities, including cyclones and floods, through coordinated preparedness, timely advisories and post-event damage assessment.