High-level review meeting on the implementation of Rabi potato cultivation for the 2024 season was convened

Bhubaneswar:29/11/24: A high-level review meeting on the implementation of Rabi potato cultivation for the 2024 season was convened on Friday at Krushi Bhavan under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo. During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised the importance of the initiative in achieving self-sufficiency in potato production while enhancing farmers’ livelihoods and incomes during the Rabi season. He reiterated the state government’s dedication to extensive potato cultivation as a critical step toward ensuring food security and strengthening the rural economy.

The state government has undertaken this initiative under the state sector scheme, “Development of Potato, Vegetable, and Spices,” setting an ambitious target of cultivating 15,023 hectares of potato during Rabi 2024. To meet this target, 1,95,299 quintals of certified seed potatoes are required. The Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) Ltd has been entrusted with the responsibility of supplying the certified seeds, with 1,79,476 quintals already source-verified from suppliers.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the programme, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment has taken several proactive steps. District-level coordination meetings have been conducted under the leadership of Collectors-cum-District Magistrates to align efforts at the grassroots level. Additionally, sensitisation meetings in selected clusters have helped raise awareness among farmers. IEC activities, including television advertisements, leaflet distribution, social media promotions, and farmer engagement meetings, have further encouraged the outreach efforts.

As of now, 1,28,391 quintals of seed potatoes have been dispatched to various districts, out of which around 1,03,000 quintals have been distributed to farmers. This has facilitated the planting of approximately 6,000 hectares of potatoes across the state. The Deputy Chief Minister called for sustained efforts to expedite seed distribution and planting to achieve the set targets while ensuring timely availability of inputs and technical support to farmers.

The meeting also included discussions on operational challenges and strategies to overcome them, with a particular focus on fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Principal Secretary Arabinda Padhee, the Director of Horticulture, senior officials from the Department, and district-level officers participated in the review meeting.

The Odisha government remains steadfast in its commitment to making the state self-reliant in potato production. This initiative is poised to significantly enhance agricultural productivity, contributing to the economic well-being of farmers while ensuring food security for the state.