Land under paddy cultivation in Odisha for the ongoing 2026–27 Kharif season has reached 36.18 lakh hectares as of September 19, according to preliminary estimates presented in the State Assembly.
Responding to a query by MLA Pratap Kesari Deb, Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo outlined district-level progress based on first advance estimates.
Mayurbhanj Outpaces Other Districts
Northern Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district emerged as the top performer, accounting for 3.15 lakh hectares of paddy coverage. It was followed by major agrarian districts:
| District | Kharif 2026 Paddy Coverage (Hectares) |
| Mayurbhanj | 3.15 lakh |
| Baragada | 2.59 lakh |
| Ganjam | 2.12 lakh |
| Sundaragada | 1.98 lakh |
| Balangir | 1.86 lakh |
Comparative Trend and District Spikes
Historical data presented to the House showed total paddy coverage at 37.49 lakh hectares in 2024–25 and 39.42 lakh hectares in 2025–26. Current early-stage numbers reflect a provisional drop of 3.24 lakh hectares compared to last year’s full-season figures.
Despite the temporary statewide drop, seven districts reported positive year-on-year growth:
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Baragada (+0.16 lakh ha)
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Khordha (+0.16 lakh ha)
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Puri (+0.14 lakh ha)
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Kataka (+0.13 lakh ha)
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Nuapada (+0.03 lakh ha)
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Jagatsinghpur (+0.02 lakh ha)
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Nayagada (+0.02 lakh ha)
Figures Remain Provisional
Agriculture Minister Singh Deo emphasised that these preliminary statistics are subject to upward revision once field assessments conclude at the end of the agricultural cycle.
For additional visual coverage of Odisha’s agricultural sector and farmer registration during this cropping cycle, watch this updated report on Odisha Kharif Paddy Registration. This video provides contextual insights into how registration and procurement schemes are moving alongside crop coverage across the state.
