As the Kharif season begins, Odisha is taking proactive measures to ensure a seamless supply of fertilisers for its ambitious 58.50 lakh hectare crop plan.
In a high-level review meeting at Krushi Bhavan, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Dept of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, directed officials to stockpile fertilisers like Urea, DAP, MOP, NPKS, and SSP to meet peak demand in August and September.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from Cooperation, Markfed, OAIC, and IFFCO, focused on strengthening supply chains to support farmers.
Dr. Padhee emphasised advance stocking through Markfed, PACS, LAMPCS, and retail dealers to prevent shortages. To safeguard farmers, he issued strict directives against tagging nano fertilisers or compelling farmers to use specific grades, ensuring their autonomy in choosing inputs.
The state’s Enforcement Squad is intensifying its crackdown on black marketing, hoarding, and the sale of spurious fertilisers, with regular surprise inspections at retail and wholesale points. Legal action is being taken against violators to protect farmers’ interests.
The government is also exploring new rake points to streamline fertiliser distribution across Odisha, ensuring timely access even in remote areas. These measures reflect Odisha’s commitment to a successful Kharif season, bolstering agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.
With meticulous planning and robust enforcement, Odisha is poised to meet the fertiliser demands of its farmers, setting a strong foundation for a bountiful harvest in 2025.
