Odisha Aims for Self-Reliance in Potato Cultivation: Over 50,000 Acres Planned for This Season

Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards achieving self-sufficiency in potato production, the Odisha Government has set an ambitious target to cultivate potatoes across more than 50,000 acres of agricultural land this year. A high-level meeting to review the preparedness was held today at Lok Seva Bhawan, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department; Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture; and Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director of Horticulture.

Shri Singh Deo directed officials to ensure advance distribution of potato seeds to farmers to meet the cultivation target and strengthen Odisha’s journey toward self-reliance in potato production. The state requires around 3 lakh quintals of potato seeds to cover the targeted acreage, which the department will supply in a phased and timely manner.

All districts have been instructed to submit their seed requirements to the Agriculture Department at the earliest. To facilitate smooth logistics, preparations have been made to commence seed supply from the first week of November, ensuring block-wise distribution based on local demand.

Alongside potatoes, the government has also drawn up plans for diversified vegetable cultivation — including 600 quintals of onion seeds in 6,000 hectares, 100 quintals of chilli seeds in 1,000 hectares, and 7,500 quintals of garlic seeds in 300 hectares.

Farmers facing seed shortages or requiring additional support have been advised to contact the Agriculture Department helpline (155333) or reach out to the nearest Horticulture Officer.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department, and Odisha State Seeds Corporation, underscoring the government’s coordinated efforts to boost the state’s agricultural self-reliance.