Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has set an ambitious target to bring more than 90 per cent of the state’s cultivable land under irrigation by 2036, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Tuesday. The move is aimed at strengthening agriculture, improving farmers’ incomes, and driving long-term economic growth. As part of the plan, the state…
Bhubaneswar: The Nav Nirman Krishan Sangathan has announced a statewide bandh in Odisha on January 28 to protest alleged irregularities in paddy procurement and mandi operations, along with what it describes as heavy and unreasonable fines imposed on farmers in the name of pollution certificates. According to statements and announcements circulating online, the farmers’ organisation…
Packaging, Production and Sale Curbed as per FSSAI Guidelines and Supreme Court Orders Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has imposed strict restrictions on the manufacture, packaging, supply and sale of pan masala, gutkha and khaini across the state, following guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and in compliance with Supreme…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will host the three-day Matsya–Pranee Samavesh Odisha (MPSO) 2026 conclave from January 21 to January 23 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, with a focus on strengthening rural livelihoods through fisheries, animal husbandry, and rural entrepreneurship. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the conclave, which is being organised by the Fisheries…
Bhubaneswar: Trade negotiations between India and the United States could face fresh challenges amid differences over import duties on pulses, even as two American lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to push for the withdrawal of India’s 30 per cent import tariff on lentils and peas. According to reports, the lawmakers have written to President…
Koraput district, long recognised for its coffee plantations, is fast emerging as a notable centre for high-quality pepper cultivation, with the spice witnessing rising demand in both national and international markets. Pepper is currently grown across nearly 1,550 hectares in the district, where the unique agro-climatic conditions—marked by moderate temperatures, adequate rainfall, and rich soil—have…
Bhubaneswar: The Sisir Saras Mela-2026 concluded on a high note, registering a record business turnover of ₹30 crore and reaffirming its status as one of Odisha’s most significant platforms for rural and artisanal entrepreneurship. The fair attracted more than five lakh visitors over its duration, with around 400 stalls showcasing a wide range of handicrafts,…
Bhubaneswar: Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) has developed a low-cost, IoT-enabled humidifier aimed at helping small and marginal farmers undertake year-round mushroom cultivation by effectively managing temperature and humidity conditions. The solar-powered, app-controlled device has been designed to address key challenges faced in cultivating button and oyster mushrooms, crops that require precise environmental conditions for optimal…
Bhubaneswar: India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China and underscoring the scale, resilience, and diversity of its agrarian economy. With total rice production estimated at 1,245.04 lakh tonnes, the milestone reflects strong performance by several high-output states supported by favourable agro-climatic conditions and sustained policy backing. Agriculture officials attribute India’s rise…
Bhubaneswar: Indian onions have earned the moniker “Red Gold” in several African nations, underscoring their growing importance as a high-value agricultural export and reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in onion trade. In 2025, India emerged as the world’s largest onion exporter, with shipments crossing 1.1 million tonnes. The demand has been driven by…
