Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a new organic farming initiative called “Vermi Wash,” aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. Described as a “natural way to feed your farm,” Vermi Wash is a bio-liquid fertiliser derived from vermicompost units. Officials said the initiative is expected to…
Bhubaneswar: While mango varieties such as Alphonso and Dussehri dominate national markets and conversations, Odisha continues to nurture a wide range of indigenous mango varieties that have been preserved through generations of traditional cultivation practices. Among the most widely preferred native varieties is Bombai, especially popular across coastal Odisha for its sweetness, aroma, and juicy…
Bhubaneswar: ORMAS has launched the “Summer Delight” watermelon fair in Bhubaneswar, bringing together farm-fresh watermelons and value-added products from 15 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) representing 10 districts of Odisha. The 11-day fair, being held from May 7 to May 17, is expected to facilitate the sale of nearly 150 tonnes of watermelon and generate business…
Bhubaneswar: A recent study by wildlife researchers Rajkishore Swain, Sandesh Behera, and Subhani Rath has highlighted growing threats to honeybee diversity in Odisha due to habitat loss, climate change, and excessive pesticide use. The study notes that honeybees contribute to over 70% of pollination in certain crops and ornamental plants in Bhubaneswar, underlining their critical…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (OMFED) has increased milk prices across Odisha by ₹4 per litre, with the revised rates coming into effect from May 5, 2026. Under the new pricing structure: Toned milk now costs ₹54 per litre (earlier ₹50) Premium milk has risen to ₹58 per litre (earlier ₹54) Gold…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has officially notified the Treated Used Water Policy 2026, marking a major step toward sustainable water management and circular economy practices. The policy sets ambitious targets, including achieving 100% treatment of used water across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by 2030. It also outlines a phased reuse roadmap, aiming for…
Bhubaneswar: A quiet agricultural village in Odisha is making headlines for an impressive farming transformation. Kundhei has earned the nickname “Taiwanese Watermelon Village” after local farmers shifted from traditional crops to cultivating a premium variety of Taiwanese watermelon. The results have been remarkable. Within just three months, the village has collectively generated around ₹1 crore…
Bhubaneswar: State-run steel major Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is considering relocating the proposed expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) to the Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) due to persistent land acquisition challenges in Odisha. The ₹30,000 crore expansion project is critical to SAIL’s long-term target of achieving 35.65 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) production…
Bhubaneswar: The Department of Fertilizers has reaffirmed that fertiliser availability in the country remains strong, stable, and well-managed, with supplies consistently exceeding current requirements. According to Additional Secretary Aparna Sharma, there is no shortage of major fertilisers, and availability continues to remain significantly higher than demand across the country. For the period from April 1…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved a proposal for Shree Ambica Cotspin Pvt. Ltd. to set up a modern yarn manufacturing unit in Bolangir with an investment of ₹124 crore. The project is aimed at strengthening the textile value chain in western Odisha, particularly in the KBK region, by enabling the conversion of raw cotton…