In the ongoing rabi season, crop cultivation is progressing smoothly towards the target of 99,260 hectares in Sundargarh district, including 27,900 hectares under the Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management (CRFM) program for rain-fed areas. The cultivation goals for this season comprise 63,507 hectares of irrigated and 35,753 hectares of non-irrigated land. Current statistics indicate coverage of 55,060 hectares, including 24,135 hectares of irrigated land and 30,871 hectares of non-irrigated land. Notably, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, spices, and other crops are being cultivated, with varying degrees of progress.
For instance, against a target of 2,700 hectares for cereals, 929 hectares have been covered, while pulses achieved 26,033 hectares against a target of 33,650 hectares. Oilseed cultivation reached 9,534 hectares of the targeted 16,040 hectares, and vegetables covered 14,172 hectares out of the 27,017-hectare goal. Additionally, 4,379 hectares of spices, 2,209 hectares of potatoes, and 1,631 hectares of onions have been cultivated.
The Chief District Agriculture Officer emphasized a focus on non-paddy crops based on irrigation potential and residual soil moisture. Targets for specific cereals like paddy, maize, ragi, and wheat have been adjusted based on irrigation availability. Currently, cultivation has reached over 55% of the total target, with crops in various stages of growth. The CRFM program aims to cultivate mustard in the oilseed category and moong, biri, lentils, and chickpeas under pulses, with significant progress already made in mustard and lentils.