Bhubaneswar: Odisha has launched an extensive kharif 2026 preparedness plan as IMD forecasts indicate a below-normal monsoon and a possible El Nino effect.Deputy chief minister and agriculture minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Wednesday instructed all concerned departments and district administrations to work in coordination to safeguard farmers and reduce risks from weak rainfall.During a high-level virtual review meeting, he directed districts to take early steps to handle delayed or deficient southwest monsoon conditions. Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) has been tasked with completing distribution of certified seeds by the first week of June, giving priority to remote and vulnerable districts.In rain-deficit-prone regions, officials have been told to ensure sufficient stocks of short- and medium-duration paddy, along with pulses, oil seeds and millets. OSSC will also maintain reserve stocks of paddy, pulses and oilseeds to address weather-related emergencies.District teams have been asked to push crop diversification in upland and rain-fed areas. If monsoon onset is delayed, the state will implement a community nursery approach to support timely transplantation.For fertilisers, MARKFED, PACS and LAMPCS have been directed to ensure smooth last-mile delivery. Fertiliser companies have been asked to keep supplies uninterrupted despite global market uncertainty, while district collectors will monitor distribution closely. The govt will enforce strict action against black-marketing, hoarding and illegal diversion.Field staff will promote balanced and integrated nutrient management using soil health cards, along with green manuring and water conservation measures.The state will also intensify enrolment under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The agriculture department stated that Odisha will bear the entire farmer-share premium for coverage up to 2 hectares per farmer.District administrations have been instructed to speed up farmer registry targets, as registration is required to access PM-KISAN, CM-KISAN, subsidised seed and fertiliser purchases and govt procurement.Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), will provide real-time, location-specific, weather-based agro-advisories and technical guidance on pest control and stress-tolerant crop varieties. These advisories will be displayed on LED screens at district and state levels to expand reach.District contingency teams will remain active throughout the kharif season and field officers will conduct regular village visits and awareness programmes focused on dry-spell preparedness.
