BHUBANESWAR: Odisha has recorded a growth rate of 5.3 per cent in its agricultural sector during the 2025–26 financial year, significantly higher than the national average growth rate of 3.1 per cent, reflecting the state’s continued focus on farmer welfare, climate resilience and agricultural modernisation.
The state government has attributed the performance to a series of farmer-centric initiatives aimed at improving productivity, strengthening input support and promoting sustainable farming practices.
For the Kharif 2026 season, Odisha has created a corpus of ₹100 crore for the supply of certified seeds and allocated ₹240 crore towards fertilizer support to ensure timely availability of agricultural inputs to farmers.
The state is also advancing technology-driven reforms through the Digital Agriculture Mission, which seeks to enhance efficiency, transparency and data-based decision-making in the agriculture sector. Odisha has further sought enhanced financial assistance from the Centre for several agricultural development programmes, including the “Mission for Atmanirvarata in Pulses” aimed at increasing domestic pulse production.
In the area of sustainable agriculture, the government is implementing the “Balabhadra Jaibika Chasa Mission” to promote natural farming practices and reduce dependence on chemical inputs. The “Amruta Anna” programme is also being expanded to encourage organic rice cultivation in suitable regions.
Officials said Odisha is placing special emphasis on high-value and environmentally sustainable crops. Plans are underway to develop one lakh acres of organic coffee plantations in the Koraput region, leveraging the area’s favourable agro-climatic conditions and growing demand for specialty coffee.
The state has additionally sought Central support for expanding horticulture activities and oil palm cultivation to diversify farm incomes and enhance agricultural value chains.
Agriculture remains a critical pillar of Odisha’s economy, and the government has indicated that future policies will continue to focus on productivity enhancement, climate adaptation, sustainability and increasing farmers’ incomes through innovation and diversification.
-OdishaAge
