Bhubaneswar: The Crop Weather Watch Group Committee convened today at Krushi Bhavan, with Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee presiding over the crucial review meeting. Dr. Manorma Mohanty, Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), also participated, highlighting the collaborative efforts to support Odisha’s agricultural sector.
This year’s monsoon has brought a significant boon to the state, with rainfall recorded at 16 percent above normal to date. This favorable weather has created ideal conditions for the ongoing Kharif crop season, particularly benefiting water-intensive crops like cotton, paddy, and potato.
In a proactive measure, the Agriculture Department is providing farmers with real-time agricultural advisories based on IMD’s precise estimates. Farmers can also seek immediate resolution to their queries by contacting the Krushi Samruddhi Helpline. Currently, these advisories are disseminated in both Odia and Sambalpuri languages, with Dr. Padhee emphasizing the importance of expanding the use of regional languages for wider reach in the coming days.
During the meeting, departmental officers received strict instructions to ensure an ample and timely supply of high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential agricultural inputs. Dr. Padhee underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that all schemes and facilities directly reach and benefit the farming community.
The meeting saw the presence of key officials, including Special Secretary of Agriculture, Shri Dillip Parida, Additional Secretary, Joint Director, Directorate of Horticulture, Scheme officers, and senior representatives from the Cooperation Department, Water Resources Department, and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).