Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo has reviewed agricultural activities and assessed the district’s preparedness for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season during a visit to Keonjhar.
During the tour, Singh Deo interacted with farmers and reviewed the progress of paddy nursery raising and transplanting operations. He also discussed measures being taken to tackle any adverse impact of a possible El Niño-induced monsoon situation and examined the preparedness of the district administration and the Agriculture Department.
The deputy CM directed agriculture officials to remain fully prepared for any contingency and ensure effective implementation of the District Agriculture Contingency Plan.
He stressed the importance of issuing timely advisories, maintaining adequate stocks of agricultural inputs, and closely monitoring field conditions to protect farmers’ interests during the cropping season.
Singh Deo also visited a proposed site identified for the establishment of model farms in the district. The farms are planned as centres for agricultural demonstrations, research, technology dissemination, and the promotion of modern farming practices among farmers.
Expressing satisfaction with the preparations made by the district administration and line departments, the deputy CM said Keonjhar was well prepared for Kharif 2026. He expressed confidence that timely interventions and coordinated efforts would help ensure a successful cropping season despite forecasts of below-normal monsoon rainfall.
Telkoi MLA and District Planning Committee Chairperson Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik and Patna MLA Akhil Chandra Nayak accompanied Singh Deo during the visit. Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Keonjhar Collector and District Magistrate, along with other senior officials, were also present.
