The Agriculture Department held a preparatory meeting to review the situation of impending rainfall in Odisha. The meeting was chaired by Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department.
Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture; Manorama Mohapatra, Director of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD); and Prasannajit Mishra, Dean of OUAT. Senior officials from various divisions were also present.
No Cyclone Formation Confirmed Yet
According to the IMD, there is no confirmed information about the formation of a cyclone at present. However, due to the withdrawal of the south-west monsoon, scattered rainfall is likely in some parts of the state. The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms and lightning in coastal districts.
Farmers Advised to Follow IMD Instructions
Principal Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee advised farmers to stay alert and follow IMD guidelines. He urged them not to panic or believe misleading information shared on social media.
He said Odisha has received 100 percent normal rainfall this year. As a result, a good crop yield is expected across many districts.
Helpline for Farmers
Farmers can contact the helpline number 155333 for assistance. They can also reach the nearest Regional Agricultural Research Centre or Agriculture Officer for guidance.
The department has also released farmer advisory guidelines to help prepare for changing weather conditions.
