Bhubaneswar, June 23: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season and strategies to tackle the potential impact of El Niño during a high-level video conference.

The meeting was attended by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo along with senior officials including Agriculture Director Shubham Saxena, Soil Conservation Director Subrat Kumar Panda, and Horticulture Director Kalunge Gorakh Waman.

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast that the southwest monsoon will be 92% of the long-term average, prompting special monitoring of eight districts — Deogarh, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur.

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Odisha officials highlighted preparedness to address possible risks such as delayed sowing, moisture stress, declining reservoir levels, and pest infestations.

To ensure stable agricultural output, Odisha has finalized cultivation across 57.88 lakh hectares. A seed reserve of 14,350 quintals (7,500 quintals paddy and 6,850 quintals non-paddy) has been established for emergency use, while 6.40 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer have been made available against a demand of 11.42 lakh metric tonnes.

The state is also leveraging technology and community participation. Farmers are receiving weather-based advisories through the IVRS-enabled “Krishi Samruddhi Helpline.”

Campaigns such as “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” and workshops on natural farming are being organized to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and promote sustainable practices.

Deputy CM Singh Deo emphasized that precautionary measures are being taken to safeguard farmers’ interests and financial security.

Teams from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology and Krishi Vigyan Kendras are on alert for pest control and monitoring. Efforts are underway to expand coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to protect more farmers.

Crop contingency plans have already been prepared at the state and district levels, with instructions issued to extend similar planning to block levels. The coordinated approach aims to shield farmers from El Niño’s impact and ensure uninterrupted agricultural growth in Odisha.