Paperman Media | Bhubaneswar
A review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan to discuss the development of agriculture, horticulture and soil conservation in the Chilika Assembly constituency of Khordha district.
The meeting reviewed the implementation and current status of various government schemes in Chilika and Banpur blocks. The Minister stressed the need for an integrated agricultural development model based on the local soil, climate and cropping potential.
Special emphasis was placed on promoting coconut cultivation in the coastal areas of Chilika and increasing the production and marketing of the well-known Banpur moong. The meeting also discussed expanding the cultivation of rice, millets under the Shri Anna scheme, fruits and vegetables with strong market demand.
The Minister proposed establishing cold storage facilities at suitable locations for better crop preservation. Greater focus was also suggested on organic farming, floriculture, mushroom cultivation and animal-feed production.
Officials were directed to prepare plans for soil conservation and rainwater utilisation and to expand training, subsidy and other support programmes for farmers. The Minister also emphasised ensuring that benefits of Central and State government schemes reach farmers effectively.
Khordha Chief District Agriculture Officer Manoranjan Mishra, Assistant Director of Horticulture Shreya Shashwati, Soil Conservation Project Director Srusti Nanda and other senior district officials attended the meeting.
