Odisha Looks to Expand Sugarcane Cultivation, Focus on Better Returns for Farmers

Bhubaneswar: Improving farm-level profitability, ensuring a steady supply of quality planting material and strengthening links between growers and sugar mills were among the key issues discussed at a high-level meeting on reviving sugarcane cultivation in Odisha.

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo chaired the meeting to review the present status of sugarcane farming in the State and explore measures to expand its cultivation.

The review examined the area under sugarcane cultivation, production levels, crop yields and the comparative economics of growing the crop. The existing capacity of sugar mills and ongoing interventions under the Technology Mission on Sugarcane Development (TMSD) and the Cooperation Department were also assessed.

The meeting identified several areas requiring attention, including the availability of quality seed cane, adoption of modern cultivation practices, expansion of irrigation facilities and greater use of farm machinery. Strengthening coordination between farmers and sugar mills was also discussed to improve the supply chain and provide better support to growers.

The demands raised by the Odisha Sugarcane Farmers’ Association for additional financial incentives and remunerative prices also featured in the discussions. The meeting stressed the need to examine these demands and explore ways to make sugarcane cultivation economically viable for farmers.

The review further emphasised coordinated efforts among government departments and industry stakeholders to address challenges affecting the sector and create conditions for sustainable expansion of sugarcane farming in the State.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Cooperation Department Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Director of Agriculture and Food Production Dr Poma Tudu, Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Subrat Kumar Panda and other senior officials attended the meeting.