Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister, Energy, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment(DAFE), Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo reviewed preparedness in view of impending Cyclone Dana affecting Odisha coast during 23-25 October,
Principal Secretary DAFE Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Director of Agriculture & Food Production Shri Prem Chandra Choudhary and Senior Officers and all CDAOs attended the meeting.
Shri Singh Deo alerted all the officers and advised not to be panic and be preparedness to face all type of challenges due to possible cyclone. All the officers were instructed that no officers shall avail any leave during this emergency period, the mobile phone should remain open for 24 hours, control room shall function at all Chief District Agriculture Officer (CDAO) office and at Krushi Bhawan.
Dr. Padhee highlighted regarding the preparedness of Agriculture & FE Department that all officers alerted regarding Cyclone, leave cancelled of all officers till 25 October 2024, and dissemination of Crop Management Advisory through Krushi Samrudhi Helpline (155333) and all social media prioritizing the paddy farmers and coastal districts. Also informed regarding the crop contingency plan and seed reserved policy of the department.
At the Outset, Director of Agriculture & Food Production Shri Chaudhary highlighted regarding the crop status especially on paddy that Harvesting of extra early Paddy is mostly completed ( 3.20 lakh ha ), the medium duration paddy is in panicle initiation to flowering stage, late duration paddy is PI stage, harvesting of Maize is at harvesting stage. Cotton crop is at boll formation stage. Raising of seedling for planting of Rabi vegetables has started. Ragi is at matured stage and at harvesting stage.
CDAOs of the coastal districts also when asked informed that concerned Collectors have already taken the alert and preparatory meeting and they have disseminated the crop advisory and all are alert.