Bhubaneswar- October 2026: A high-level review meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, at the Krushi Sameeksha Kendra in Krushi Bhawan to assess preparedness for managing the potential cyclone and depression-induced heavy rainfall across the state.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, the Deputy Chief Minister advised all officials to remain present at their respective headquarters and support the farming community during this challenging situation. He urged the Department officials to reassured farmers not to panic, urging them to follow advisories from local agriculture officers and actively take steps to protect their crops.
The meeting was attended by key dignitaries, including Agriculture Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Dr. Prabhat Kumar Raul, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Dr. Manorama Mohanty, and Director of Soil Conservation & Watershed Development Shri Subrat Kumar Panda. District Agriculture Officers, Horticulture Officers, and Soil Conservation Officers from across the state also joined the review virtually.
The department is keeping a close watch on the emerging weather situation and that comprehensive precautionary measures are underway. To ensure maximum operational readiness, the leave of all agriculture officers has been cancelled from October 25 to November 7, and they have been directed not to leave their district headquarters.
To address farmers' queries and provide continuous guidance, the Agriculture Department is launching a dedicated Control Room and a Toll-Free Helpline Number (155333), operational from October 25. Farmers can call this helpline between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM to receive crop management advice and weather-related guidance.
Agriculture officers have also been instructed to conduct prompt field inspections immediately following the cyclone and heavy rain to assess damages and extend swift assistance. Agriculture Secretary Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav directed all officers to maintain high alertness, widely circulate agricultural advisories, and keep district administrations fully informed of all departmental directives.
During the meeting, IMD Director Dr. Manorama Mohanty briefed officials on the current status of the potential Cyclone 'Arnab', highlighting that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected, with wind speeds likely restricted to 60–80 km/h. OUAT Vice-Chancellor Dr. Prabhat Kumar Raul outlined detailed agricultural advisories aimed at protecting both paddy and non-paddy crops from adverse weather conditions.
Reassuring the public, the state government reiterated its full support during natural calamities like cyclones and floods, advising farmers to stay safe while taking necessary steps to protect their crops and livestock.
