In a strategic move to enhance food security and reduce dependency on imports, the Odisha government has announced plans to cultivate potatoes across more than 50,000 acres of agricultural land.
A high-level meeting was held today at Lok Seva Bhawan, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The meeting was also attended by Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture, and Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director of Horticulture.
Deputy CM Singh Deo has instructed that potato seeds be provided to farmers in advance to support the drive for self-reliance in potato production. Approximately 3 lakh quintals of potato seeds are required for the more than 50,000 acres of land being cultivated, and these will be distributed to farmers as needed by the department. All districts in the state have been asked to report their seed demand to the Agriculture Department promptly.
The department has made arrangements for the smooth logistics of supplying the potato seeds starting from the first week of November. The distribution will be conducted based on demand at the block level.
Additionally, there is a plan to cultivate 600 quintals of onion seeds across 6,000 hectares of land, 100 quintals of chili seeds over 1,000 hectares, and 7,500 quintals of garlic seeds in 300 hectares.
In case of any seed shortages or additional requirements, farmers are encouraged to contact the Agriculture Department at the number 155333 or reach out to the nearest Horticulture Officer.
The meeting included representatives from the Agriculture Department, Horticulture Officers, and officers from the Odisha Seed Corporation.
