Odisha Reviews Kharif Preparedness, Steps Up Planning Amid El Niño Concerns

Bhubaneswar: With the Kharif cultivation season approaching and forecasts indicating possible El Niño conditions, the Odisha government on Monday conducted a comprehensive review of agricultural preparedness and water management strategies, directing departments to intensify planning to safeguard crop production and ensure water security.

Chairing a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Secretary Anu Garg instructed all concerned departments to strengthen coordination and maintain continuous monitoring of rainfall, irrigation systems and agricultural activities to minimise any potential impact on farming operations.

The meeting reviewed southwest monsoon progress, weather forecasts and contingency measures required to address uncertainties linked to El Niño.

Senior officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management, Water Resources, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, and Cooperation departments attended the meeting along with representatives from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology and other agencies.

According to IMD officials, the southwest monsoon has already advanced into parts of coastal Odisha and weather conditions remain favourable for further progress across the state. While national projections indicate a possibility of slightly below-normal rainfall due to El Niño, historical assessments suggest Odisha may not experience a significant adverse impact.

However, the Chief Secretary emphasised that preparedness should remain a priority and directed departments to formulate advance response measures for any rainfall variability.

To strengthen water resource planning, the state government decided to constitute a dedicated Task Force Committee to regularly review irrigation and water management initiatives. The committee will focus on ensuring adequate water availability, planning irrigation support for both Kharif and Rabi seasons, improving irrigation potential and encouraging efficient water use among farmers. The Water Resources Department will act as the nodal agency.

The meeting also reviewed plans related to water conservation, micro-irrigation and improved management of water bodies during the agricultural season.

Presenting the agriculture preparedness roadmap, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Yadav informed that Odisha has set a cultivation target of 57.88 lakh hectares for Kharif 2026, with irrigation support planned across 39.04 lakh hectares.

To support cultivation activities, the state has planned distribution of 2,66,780 quintals of seeds, of which more than 1,18,787 quintals have already been supplied. An additional reserve stock of 14,350 quintals has also been maintained to meet emergency requirements.

Officials further informed that weekly district-level review meetings are being conducted to track progress and address emerging concerns during the season.

The Cooperation Department stated that fertiliser availability remains sufficient, with Odisha requiring 11.43 lakh metric tonnes during the Kharif period. District and block-level vigilance teams have also been activated to monitor supply and prevent irregularities.

The meeting was informed that nearly 25 lakh farmers are expected to be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) this season.

Chief Secretary Garg additionally directed district administrations to strengthen pest and disease preparedness in case of deficient rainfall and called for greater focus on groundwater recharge and awareness campaigns in areas facing increasing water stress.

The review reflected the state government’s emphasis on agricultural resilience, proactive planning and coordinated action ahead of the upcoming Kharif season.