Major Irrigation Expansion and Crop Diversification Set to Transform Odisha's Agriculture
Odisha's government has launched a significant State Rabi Campaign, introducing a multi-faceted strategy to overhaul its agricultural sector. The plan aims to enhance food security, diversify crop production, and substantially increase farmer income through new infrastructure and innovative farming techniques.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, speaking at the campaign's launch, highlighted the immediate priority of improving grain storage. He instructed the Principal Secretary to develop plans for converting numerous underutilised government agricultural farms into large-scale grain storage hubs. These facilities will be used to maintain a surplus of essential grains.
Expanding Food Security and Crop Diversification
The state is also expanding its food distribution program. Following a proposal to mirror the central government's initiative, 5 kg of free rice will be provided per family in 19 districts. Officials noted this program should eventually be extended to cover the entire state.
Beyond rice, the government is pushing for significant crop diversification. Millers will be encouraged to increase the production of raw rice (Arua), a commodity with high demand in other states. This initiative is part of a broader push towards self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds. The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that unused land adjacent to solar power projects could be effectively repurposed for cultivating pulses and palm oil.
New Initiatives and Infrastructure Goals
The new strategy emphasizes learning from successful agricultural models. The Prime Minister's praise for Jagdish Reddy's natural farming methods was cited as a model for Odisha to adopt. Agro-tourism, similar to successful projects in Udaipur, is also being explored.
Value-addition is another key component for increasing farmer earnings. Mr. Singh Deo mentioned discussions with the "Jackfruit King of India" regarding methods for drying and processing jackfruit, creating a value-added product that is already finding success in Padmapur. The goal of these combined efforts is to double or even triple farmer incomes.
Several key events and infrastructure targets were also announced. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to attend the state's Mandia Day celebrations on November 10 and 11. In a significant cultural and agricultural milestone, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Padhee confirmed that from the next Rath Yatra, the sacred Kotha Bhog will be prepared using organic rice from the Balabhadra Organic Farming Mission.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg provided a positive outlook for the Rabi season, noting that state reservoirs hold abundant water. She stated a goal for Odisha's farmers to rank fifth nationally in income, supported by a massive expansion in irrigation. The state plans to create 15 lakh hectares of new irrigation by 2029, with 4 lakh hectares specifically designated for use during the Rabi season.
