Bhubaneswar/Keonjhar, June 21: Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment, today undertook an extensive tour of Keonjhar district and reviewed the progress of various agricultural activities as well as the preparedness for the ensuing Kharif-2026 season.

During the visit, Singh Deo interacted directly with farmers in the field and took stock of the status of paddy nursery raising and transplanting operations.

He discussed with farmers the measures being adopted in view of the possibility of an El Niño-induced adverse monsoon situation and assessed the ground-level preparedness of the district administration and the Agriculture Department.

Emphasising the need for proactive planning, Singh Deo directed the Agriculture Department officials to remain fully prepared for any eventuality and to ensure meticulous implementation of the District Agriculture Contingency Plan. He stressed that timely advisories, adequate availability of agricultural inputs, and close monitoring of field conditions would be essential to safeguard farmers’ interests during the cropping season.

The Deputy Chief Minister also visited a proposed land parcel identified for the establishment of model farms in the district. The proposed farms are envisaged to serve as centres for agricultural demonstrations, research, technology dissemination, and promotion of best farming practices among farmers.

Expressing satisfaction over the preparedness measures undertaken by the district administration and line departments, Singh Deo conveyed confidence that Keonjhar district is well prepared for Kharif-2026. He expressed hope that, despite predictions of a below-normal monsoon, timely interventions and coordinated efforts would help ensure a successful cropping season.