Bhubaneswar: The state government has stepped up measures to safeguard farmers’ interests ahead of cyclone Arnab, which is likely to make landfall on the morning of October 28 along the coast between northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo reviewing preparedness for the impending calamity and directing officials to take proactive steps to minimise crop losses.
Singh Deo, who holds the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy portfolios, Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting at Krushi Bhawan here to assess preparedness for the potential cyclone and heavy rainfall triggered by the associated weather system across the state. Emphasising the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, the Deputy CM directed all officials to remain at their respective headquarters and support the farming community during the challenging situation.
Singh Deo asked officials to reassure farmers not to panic. He also asked them to actively take steps to protect crops and minimise losses. According to officials at the meeting, the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment department is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation, and comprehensive precautionary measures are being taken.
To ensure operational readiness, the leave of all agriculture officers has been cancelled from October 25 to November 7. They have also been directed not to leave their district headquarters, the officials said.
To address farmers’ queries and provide continuous guidance, the Agriculture department will launch a dedicated control room and a toll-free helpline (155333) from October 25. Farmers can call the helpline between 8 am and 8 pm for crop management advice and weather-related guidance, the officials said. Agriculture officers have also been instructed to conduct prompt field inspections after the cyclone and heavy rainfall to assess damage and provide timely assistance.
Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav directed all officers to remain on high alert, widely circulate agricultural advisories and keep district administrations fully informed of departmental directives. During the meeting, IMD Director Manorama Mohanty briefed officials on the potential cyclone, stating that heavy to very heavy rainfall was expected, while wind speeds were likely to remain between 60 and 80 kmph.
OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prabhat Kumar Raul outlined detailed agricultural advisories to protect paddy and non-paddy crops from adverse weather conditions. Reassuring the public, the state government reiterated its commitment to providing full support during natural calamities such as cyclones and floods. It advised farmers to prioritise their safety while taking necessary steps to protect their crops and livestock.