Odisha Accelerates Potato Seed Distribution to Meet Rabi Season Targets
State agriculture officials have launched an aggressive campaign to complete the distribution of high-quality potato seeds across Odisha by the end of this month. This directive comes as the administration sets a substantial cultivation goal for the ongoing Rabi season. The government aims to cover approximately 50,000 acres of land with potato crops, signaling a major push to enhance local tuber production and support the farming community.
Strategies to meet this target involve a robust supply chain connecting growers with certified resources. Authorities are sourcing certified seed stocks directly from Punjab to ensure high genetic purity and yield potential. These seeds are currently available to local farmers at a purchase price of twenty rupees per kilogram. To further incentivize cultivation and reduce financial burdens, the government has introduced a conditional subsidy model. Under this scheme, growers will receive a refund of ten rupees per kilogram once they confirm the seeds have been planted. This effectively brings the net cost down to ten rupees per kilogram for the farmer.
Logistical operations are already operating at a high capacity to meet demand. Current reports indicate that the distribution network has successfully delivered nearly one lakh quintals of quality seeds. These stocks have reached various blocks across thirty districts, ensuring wide geographical coverage. Despite this progress, the administration remains focused on the remaining inventory.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Principal Secretary, recently convened a high-level review meeting at Krushi Bhavan to assess the situation. During this session, he issued strict instructions to the Odisha State Seeds Corporation and the Directorate of Horticulture. His primary mandate requires these bodies to finalize the supply of all remaining seed stocks by November 30. Dr. Padhee emphasized that timely availability is just as critical as the quality of the inputs provided.
Beyond logistics, technical guidance forms a core part of this initiative. Agricultural experts are actively advising farmers on post-receipt protocols. This includes specific instructions on seed treatment processes and the adoption of modern planting techniques to maximize harvest ratios. Officials expressed optimism regarding the outcome, noting that current climatic conditions in the state are highly favorable for potato farming.
Top-level political leadership is also closely scrutinizing the execution of this project. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, is personally monitoring the daily progress. His direct oversight underscores the priority the state government places on the success of this agricultural season.
Senior officials joined Dr. Padhee at the Krushi Bhavan review to coordinate the final phase of distribution. Attendees included Shri Gorakh Kalung, the Director of Horticulture, and Shri Niti Ranjan Sen, the Managing Director of the Odisha State Seeds Corporation. Together with other departmental officers, they reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the month-end deadline and ensuring a successful crop for Odisha’s farmers.
