States » EastPosted at: Oct 24 2026 7:39PM


Cyclone Arnab : Odisha cancels leave of all agriculture officers, issues high-alert directive

Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 (UNI) The Odisha government has cancelled the leave of all agriculture officers from October 25 to November 7 and directed them not to leave their respective district headquarters in view of the potential threat posed by Cyclone ‘Arnab’, which is likely to affect the Odisha coast on October 28.
The move aims to ensure prompt administrative response, minimise crop losses and provide timely assistance to farmers in the event of cyclone-induced heavy rainfall.
Agriculture officers have also been instructed to conduct immediate field inspections after the cyclone and heavy rainfall to assess crop damage and ensure that affected farmers receive swift assistance.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment K. V. Singh Deo on Saturday reviewed the state’s preparedness to deal with the possible cyclone and depression-induced heavy rainfall.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to protecting farmers and their livelihoods, he directed all departmental officials to remain stationed at their respective headquarters and extend necessary support to the farming community during the challenging period.
The Deputy Chief Minister also urged agriculture officials to reassure farmers against unnecessary panic and advise them to follow weather-related alerts and agricultural advisories issued by local agriculture officers. He stressed the importance of taking timely precautionary measures to safeguard standing crops against possible damage.
The Agriculture Department is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation, while comprehensive precautionary measures are being undertaken to minimise the potential impact on agricultural activities across the state.
To address farmers’ concerns and provide continuous guidance during the adverse weather conditions, the Agriculture Department will launch a dedicated control room and activate a toll-free helpline, 155333, from October 25.
The helpline will remain operational from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, enabling farmers to seek expert advice on crop management, weather-related precautions and other agricultural issues arising from the impending cyclone and heavy rainfall.
Agriculture Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav directed all departmental officers to remain on high alert, ensure the wide circulation of agricultural advisories and keep district administrations fully informed about all departmental instructions and preparedness measures.
During the preparedness review meeting, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhubaneswar office Director Dr. Manorama Mohanty briefed officials on the prevailing weather situation and the potential development of Cyclone ‘Arnab’.
According to the briefing, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected, while wind speeds are likely to remain in the range of 60–80 km/h. The anticipated weather conditions could pose a risk to standing crops and agricultural operations, necessitating timely preventive action.
OUAT Vice-Chancellor Dr. Prabhat Kumar Raul presented detailed agricultural advisories for protecting paddy and non-paddy crops from the possible adverse effects of the cyclone and associated rainfall.
The Agriculture Department has emphasised the need for coordination among field-level officers, district administrations and agricultural experts to ensure that farmers receive timely information and assistance.
With the cancellation of leave for agriculture officers, mandatory presence at district headquarters and the activation of a dedicated helpline, the state government aims to strengthen its preparedness and ensure a coordinated response to the potential weather emergency.
Farmers have been urged to remain vigilant, follow official advisories and take appropriate precautions to protect their crops as the state prepares for the possible impact of Cyclone ‘Arnab’.
UNI DP
Tags: #Cyclone Arnab : Odisha cancels leave of all agriculture officers# issues high-alert directive
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