Bhubaneswar, Nov 14: In the wake of deficit rainfall and subsequent drought situation in the State, the government in eastern Indian Odisha state has decided to encourage farmers to cultivate non-paddy crops in the ensuing rabi and khariff seasons to compensate the crop loss.
Chief Secretary of the State GC Pati said after a review meeting on Fridaythat since water levels at reservoirs in the State have dropped due to shortage of rainfall, farmers will be encouraged to grow non-paddy crops.
Inputs will be provided to the farmers by the government and all the Collectors will be informed after preparing plans about the types of crops in respective regions, Pati said.
The official said a drive to encourage farmers to undertake System Rice Intensification (SRI) method of paddy cultivation will soon be taken up.
Notably, the state government has declared 139 blocks in 21 out of total 30 districts as drought affected and crops in 5.32 lakh hectares have been damaged.
