Kharif operation has gained momentum in coastal Orissa

Kharif operation in coastal Orissa has gained momentum with incessant rains, which eluded the farmers last month.

The low pressure induced rains for the last three days have brought cheer to the farming community, particularly in coastal districts, said Director of Agriculture Babaji Giri.

The agriculture operation was going on in full swing in these districts including Ganjam, he said.

However, some western Orissa districts like Sambalpur are still grappling with deficient rainfall, he said.

Now there is no problem for coastal districts of the state, said Giri, who was here to attend the review meeting on the kharif operation in 10 southern Orissa districts.    

The agriculture officers of Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangapur, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Malkanagiri attended in the meeting.    

Despite an overall deficit of rainfall in the state so far, the Director of Agriculture said the situation was not too alarming and hoped target of kahrif output of 7.46 million tones of foodgrains for this season would be met. The target of kharif production is included 6.30 million tones of paddy.    

There were fears of moisture stress and death of the seedlings due to less rainfall last month, but the fears were allayed with widespread low pressure rain that lashed many parts of the state, particularly in coastal districts.    

Due to less rainfall in Ganjam district, 27 per cent area had been covered by paddy at the end of July.

The target to cover by paddy during kharif in the district is 2.22 lakh hectares. While agricultural operation is in full swing, we hope the projected area in the district would be covered this time, said a senior agricultural officer.