Odisha Cancels Agriculture Officers’ Holidays Till November 7 Amid Cyclone Threat

Paperman Media । Bhubaneswar, October 24

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Saturday reviewed the state’s preparedness to tackle the potential cyclone and depression-induced heavy rainfall at Krushi Sameeksha Kendra, Krushi Bhawan.

Emphasising farmer welfare, Singh Deo directed agriculture officials to remain at their respective headquarters, maintain close contact with farmers and ensure timely dissemination of weather-related advisories. He urged farmers not to panic and to follow guidance issued by local agriculture officers to protect their crops.

To ensure operational readiness, the government has cancelled the holidays of all agriculture officers from October 25 to November 7. They have also been instructed not to leave their district headquarters during this period.

The Agriculture Department will launch a dedicated control room and toll-free helpline, 155333, from October 25. Farmers can call between 8 am and 8 pm for crop management advice and weather-related guidance.

Agriculture officers have been directed to conduct immediate field inspections after the cyclone and heavy rainfall to assess crop damage and facilitate timely assistance. They must also circulate agricultural advisories widely and keep district administrations informed.

During the meeting, India Meteorological Department Director Dr. Manorama Mohanty briefed officials on the potential Cyclone ‘Arnab’, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and wind speeds of 60–80 kmph. OUAT Vice-Chancellor Dr. Prabhat Kumar Raul presented advisories for protecting paddy and non-paddy crops.

The meeting was attended by Agriculture Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, senior departmental officials and district-level agriculture, horticulture and soil conservation officers.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers during the impending weather emergency.