Agriculture in Odisha: Odisha, a state located on India’s eastern coast, possesses several remarkable agricultural attributes. With 10 Agro-Climatic Zones, 8 nutrient-rich soil types, a coastline spanning 480 kilometers (accounting for 8 percent of India’s coastline), and abundant water resources, Odisha provides an ideal environment for agricultural activities. While paddy cultivation is predominant in the state, Odisha also cultivates a diverse range of non-paddy crops in both the agriculture and horticulture sectors. These crops include millet, maize, pulses, oilseeds, onions, sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables, cashews, and coffee. Furthermore, Odisha is a significant producer of fish, shrimp, marine products, meat, eggs, and milk. The state also boasts substantial quantities of turmeric, honey, and tamarind, with a significant surplus available for the market.
In terms of specific crop production, Odisha excels in various categories. The state holds the first rank in sweet potato production, contributing 25 percent to the national supply. Moreover, Odisha is one of the largest onion-producing states in the country, with an annual production of 3.5 lakh (350,000) metric tonnes. As the fourth-largest fish-producing state in India, Odisha plays a crucial role in the fisheries sector. The state’s dairy industry is also noteworthy, producing a staggering 65 lakh (6.5 million) liters of milk per day, with over 70 percent available for the market. Milk products such as rasgulla, which holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, enjoy a niche demand across the country. Additionally, Odisha ranks sixth in goat meat production and fourth in cashew nut production, accounting for 14 percent of India’s total output. The state also holds the fifth position in coconut production and produces 660 metric tonnes of Arabica coffee in Koraput. Notably, Kandhamal turmeric and Similipal honey are renowned products from the region and are highly sought after nationwide. Over the past two decades, Odisha has witnessed a remarkable increase in the production and productivity of all crops, including food grains, signaling the state’s commitment to agricultural development and its effective utilization of favorable natural resources available.
Table of Contents
Agro and Sub-Agro Climatic Zones of Odisha
Odisha, situated in the Eastern Plateau and Hills Regions of India, encompasses a diverse range of agro-climatic zones. The state is divided into ten distinct agro-climatic regions, each characterized by unique geographical and climatic features that influence agricultural practices and crop cultivation. These regions are as follows:
- North-Western Plateau: Located in the northwestern part of Odisha, this region is known for its undulating terrain and moderate climate. The agricultural activities in this region are influenced by the hilly topography and the presence of rivers and streams.
- North Central Plateau: Situated in the central part of the state, the North Central Plateau region is characterized by semi-arid conditions and a rolling landscape. The agriculture in this region is primarily rain-fed, with crops such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds being commonly grown.
- North Eastern Coastal Plain: This region encompasses the northeastern coastal areas of Odisha. It is characterized by a flat terrain and proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The fertile alluvial soil and moderate climate make it suitable for the cultivation of paddy, vegetables, fruits, and oilseeds.
- East and South Eastern Coastal Plain: Located along the eastern and southeastern coastlines of Odisha, this region benefits from proximity to the sea and a humid tropical climate. It is known for its extensive paddy cultivation, along with the production of fruits, vegetables, cashews, and spices.
- North Eastern Ghat: Situated in the northeastern part of Odisha, the North Eastern Ghat region is characterized by hilly terrain and dense forests. Agriculture in this region is influenced by the hilly landscape and is primarily focused on horticultural crops, spices, and medicinal plants.
- Eastern Ghat Highland: This region is marked by the presence of the Eastern Ghats mountain range, which runs parallel to the coast. The Eastern Ghat Highland experiences a cooler climate due to its higher elevation and is suitable for the cultivation of horticultural crops, tea, coffee, and spices.
- South Eastern Ghat: Situated in the southeastern part of Odisha, the South Eastern Ghat region is characterized by hilly and forested terrain. The agriculture in this region is largely subsistence-based and revolves around millets, pulses, oilseeds, and horticultural crops.
- Western Undulating Zone: Located in the western part of Odisha, this region features undulating topography and a mix of upland and plain areas. Agriculture in this region is diverse, encompassing crops such as paddy, millets, oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, and fruits.
- Western Central Table Land: This region comprises the central part of Odisha, with a flat to slightly undulating topography. Agriculture in this region is primarily rain-fed and focuses on crops like paddy, millets, pulses, and oilseeds.
- Mid Central Table Land: Situated in the central part of the state, the Mid Central Table Land region is characterized by a flat to undulating landscape. The region experiences a moderate climate and is suitable for the cultivation of paddy, millets, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits.
These ten agro-climatic regions of Odisha showcase the state’s diverse agricultural landscape, reflecting the influence of varied geographical and climatic factors on crop cultivation and farming practices.
Land Holdings
Over the years, the availability of cultivated land per capita in Odisha has witnessed a significant decline. In 1950–51, the per capita cultivated land stood at 0.39 hectares, but by 2006–07, it had fallen to a mere 0.13 hectares. This reduction in land availability has posed challenges to the state’s agricultural sector. In the year 2000–01, Odisha had a total of 40.67 lakh operational holdings. Among these holdings, marginal and small holdings accounted for a substantial 83.8 percent, while medium holdings constituted 15.9 percent, and large holdings comprised less than 1 percent of the operational area. On average, each holding is a mere 1.25 acres in size. The small size of operational holdings, coupled with widespread poverty, has become a significant barrier to the progress of agriculture in the state.
The majority of farmers in Odisha, more than half of them, are marginal farmers who either own or rent land for cultivation. This further highlights the prevalence of small-scale farming practices in the state. Odisha is characterized by the presence of eight distinct soil types, including red sand and loamy soils, lateritic soils, red-yellow soils, coastal alluvial soils, deltaic alluvial soils, black, mixed, red, and black soils, as well as forest soils. These soil variations influence the suitability of different regions for specific crops and farming practices.
Despite having a cultivated area of 61.65 lakh hectares, the state faces challenges in achieving high crop productivity. In the 2001–02 agricultural season, the Kharif crops were cultivated on an area of 60.61 lakh hectares, while the Rabi crops covered 23.57 lakh hectares. The crop intensity, which represents the proportion of cropped area to the total arable area, stands at 144 percent. However, due to chronic poverty and limited resources, farmers in Odisha often practice low-input agriculture, resulting in low crop productivity. Addressing this issue requires not only expanding the capacity of agricultural activities but also improving productivity per unit of land area and increasing cropping intensity.
Current Scenario
The concept of Agriculture Census defines an operational holding as a unit of land used for agricultural production, operated by one person alone or with others under the same management, and possessing the same means of production such as labor force, machinery, animals, and credit. The definition does not consider the title, legal form, size, or location of the land.
According to the Agriculture Census conducted in 2015–16, Odisha had approximately 48.7 lakh operational holdings, operating on 46.2 lakh hectares of land for agricultural production. The average size of an operational land holding in the state is 0.95 hectares, slightly lower than the national average of 1.1 hectares. The number of operational holdings in Odisha accounted for about 3.22 percent of the total number in India.
Operational land holdings are categorized into different types based on the area operated by the holder. The marginal and small farmers constituted around 93 percent of the total holdings and covered 75 percent of the total operational area. Over the years, the number of operational holdings has increased while the area under these holdings has declined, indicating a decrease in the average size of holdings. The fragmentation of land due to division among family members has led to a rise in the number of land holdings.
Efforts have been made to address the dominance of marginal and small farmers and improve their land productivity and household income. Collective farming through farmer producer organizations has been encouraged to overcome the issue of scale and enhance the bargaining power of farmers.
In Odisha, out of the total 48.7 lakh operational holdings, around 9.05 lakh holdings are under the “leased in” tenancy status, indicating that approximately 18.6 percent of the operational holdings are operated by sharecroppers. Among these sharecroppers, 93.2 percent are small and marginal farmers. To address the financial needs of these sharecroppers and lessee cultivators, the government of Odisha has introduced the BhooMihin Agriculturist Loan and Resources Augmentation Model (BALARAM). This initiative aims to provide formal credit to these farmers through joint liability group mechanisms, reducing their dependence on informal sources of credit.
These measures aim to improve the livelihoods of small and marginalized farmers in Odisha, enhance land productivity, and provide access to formal credit, ultimately contributing to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the state.
Major Crops of Odisha
Food Grains
In Odisha, a variety of food grains are cultivated, including cereals, millets, and pulses. Among these, rice holds the highest significance. Rice is the primary cereal crop in the region, and its cultivation is concentrated in specific areas. Other coarse grains like ragi, maize, wheat, tiny millets, and bajra also contribute to the agricultural landscape, particularly in the central hilly and rolling uplands and plateaus of Odisha. These coarse grains are known for their resilience and are well-suited to the climatic conditions of the region.
However, the cultivation of rice is largely confined to specific regions in Odisha. It is primarily grown in the coastal plains, river valleys, and the command areas of the Hirakud reservoir, which have alluvial soils. These areas provide the necessary topographical and soil conditions that are favorable for rice production. Notable districts with significant rice production include Cuttack, Sambalpur, Puri, Ganjam, Baleshwar, Koraput, Kendujhar, and Kalahandi.
Coarse cereals play a vital role in Odisha’s agricultural sector, both in terms of output and productivity. They serve as important staple crops and contribute to the food security of the region. The cultivation of these coarse cereals in the central hilly and rolling uplands and plateaus reflects the adaptability of farmers to the local conditions and their reliance on hardier crops.
The concentration of rice production in specific regions and the cultivation of coarse cereals across different topographical areas showcase the diverse agricultural practices in Odisha. The state’s farmers have developed localized strategies for crop selection based on soil characteristics, climate, and topography, ensuring a balance between crop productivity and sustainability.
In the agricultural year 2021–22, food grains played a significant role in Odisha’s crop production, contributing approximately 45 percent of the total output. The state achieved a record production of 113.8 lakh metric tonnes of food grains during this period. However, the overall food production in the state experienced a decline of about 13 percent compared to the previous year, primarily attributed to a decrease in rice production by approximately 15.5 percent.
On the other hand, maize production witnessed a positive growth of around 4.5 percent in 2021–22 compared to the previous year. There was also a noteworthy increase of about 12.54 percent in the production of other cereals, which can be attributed to the promotion of millet cultivation, including both ragi and non-ragi, in the state.
While pulses production experienced a marginal decrease, there was a promising increase of about 6 percent in oilseeds production, which is a positive sign for the state’s economy. The vegetable production witnessed a slight growth of 0.36 percent, while the production of spices and condiments remained consistent with the previous year. Additionally, there was a 2.6 percent increase in sugarcane production in 2021–22 compared to the previous year.
Among the cash crops, there was a significant growth in cotton production, recording a 14 percent increase, and a substantial increase of 21 percent in the production of other fibers.
These trends in crop production reflect the dynamic nature of Odisha’s agricultural sector. While there were challenges in rice production leading to an overall decline in food production, the positive growth in other cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, and cash crops showcases the resilience and potential for diversification in the state’s agriculture. Continued efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and support the cultivation of various crops can contribute to the overall growth and stability of Odisha’s agricultural economy.
Pulses
In Odisha, gram, tur, and arhar are the primary pulses cultivated. Pulses are categorized as kharif (monsoon season) and rabi (winter season) crops. The state of Odisha has specific areas known for pulse cultivation, particularly in irrigated regions such as the Mahanadi delta, Rushikulya plains, and the Hirakud and Badimula regions. These areas provide favorable conditions for pulse farming due to the availability of water resources and suitable soil types.
Various districts in Odisha contribute significantly to pulse production. Cuttack, Puri, Kalahandi, Koraput, Dhenkanal, Balangir, and Sambalpur are among the notable districts where pulse cultivation is concentrated. These districts possess the necessary agro-climatic conditions and agricultural infrastructure to support pulse farming activities.
Pulses play a crucial role in Odisha’s agricultural landscape, providing a vital source of protein and nutrients to the population. They also contribute to the state’s economy by generating employment opportunities and enhancing rural livelihoods. The cultivation of pulses in Odisha not only meets the domestic demand but also contributes to the overall food security of the state.
Efforts have been made by the government and agricultural institutions to promote pulse farming and increase the productivity of pulses in the state. These initiatives aim to enhance the income of farmers engaged in pulse cultivation and ensure a steady supply of pulses to meet the dietary requirements of the population.
By focusing on the cultivation of pulses in regions with suitable agro-climatic conditions and implementing effective agricultural practices, Odisha can further strengthen its pulse production capabilities. This would contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the state’s agricultural sector, while also addressing the nutritional needs of the population.
Oil Seeds
Odisha is known for the cultivation of various oilseeds, including sesame, peanut, mustard, castor, and linseed. These oilseeds play a significant role in the agricultural landscape of the state. Oilseeds are classified into two categories: kharif (monsoon season) and rabi (winter season) crops. Rabi oilseeds are typically sown as a secondary crop following the harvest of grains, utilizing the residual moisture in the soil.
Among the oilseeds grown in Odisha, groundnut and castor are particularly resilient crops that thrive in marginal and sub-marginal fields. These crops have adapted to the challenging terrain of the state and are well-suited for cultivation in less favorable conditions. The districts of Cuttack, Koraput, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, and Ganjam are known for their significant oilseed production. Despite the terrain limitations, these regions have favorable edaphic (soil) and climatic conditions that support successful oilseed cultivation.
Coconut cultivation, on the other hand, is primarily concentrated in the coastal plains of Odisha. The high salinity of the soil in these areas makes them suitable for coconut cultivation. However, unlike in Kerala where coconut is predominantly grown for its copra (dried kernel), in Odisha, coconut is primarily utilized as a fruit crop.
With the exception of coconut, all other oilseeds in Odisha are seasonal crops, cultivated during specific seasons. Groundnut, mustard, sesame, castor, and linseed are grown and harvested according to their respective seasons, ensuring optimal growth and productivity.
Among the major oilseed-producing districts in Odisha, Dhenkanal is known for its significant production of sesame (til), while Baleshwar leads in mustard production. Cuttack, on the other hand, is renowned for its groundnut cultivation. Each district has its own specialization in oilseed production based on the agro-climatic conditions and suitability of the region.
The cultivation of oilseeds in Odisha contributes to the overall agricultural productivity and economy of the state. These oilseeds not only provide edible oil but also serve as a source of income for farmers. Efforts are continually being made to enhance oilseed production through the adoption of improved agricultural practices, technology dissemination, and the promotion of suitable crop varieties. Such initiatives aim to increase oilseed productivity and improve the economic conditions of farmers engaged in oilseed cultivation in Odisha.
Cash Crops
Among the cash crops in Odisha, fiber crops hold particular significance. Jute, a versatile fiber crop, occupies a considerable area and yields substantial production. While West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam are the major jute-producing states in India, Odisha stands as the fourth largest producer of jute. Jute cultivation in Odisha is mainly concentrated in the coastal plains of Cuttack, Balasore, and Puri districts. It is worth noting that rice and jute are competitors due to their similar requirements of soil and weather conditions.
In addition to jute, another important fiber crop cultivated in Odisha is mesta. Mesta farming is prominent in districts such as Cuttack, Ganjam, Balangir, and Koraput. These regions provide favorable conditions for mesta cultivation, and it serves as the dominant species in these areas.
Sugarcane holds a significant position as the second most important cash crop in Odisha, both in terms of cultivation area and productivity. Sugarcane cultivation is predominantly carried out in irrigated locations. Odisha ranks as the sixth largest producer of sugarcane in India. Districts like Cuttack, Sambalpur, Balangir, Kalahandi, and Puri are notable regions for sugarcane farming.
In addition to jute, mesta, and sugarcane, Odisha also produces a modest amount of tobacco. Cuttack district, known for its agricultural prowess, takes the lead in cash crop production across various crops in Odisha. It serves as a hub for agricultural activities, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
The cultivation of these cash crops plays a vital role in generating income for farmers and contributing to the overall agricultural landscape of Odisha. Efforts are made to promote sustainable farming practices, improve productivity, and enhance the marketability of these cash crops. This ensures a stable and prosperous agricultural sector in the state, benefiting both farmers and the economy at large.
Rubber Plantations
The Rubber Board, recognizing the need to protect and restore the deteriorated hill slopes of the Eastern Ghats in Odisha, has undertaken rubber cultivation as a sustainable solution. This initiative aims to address the ecological challenges faced by these hill slopes while also promoting the growth of the rubber industry.
The cultivation of natural rubber holds a promising future in certain regions of northern Odisha, particularly in Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, and Baleshwar districts, which offer favorable agro-climatic conditions for rubber plantations.
It is noteworthy that Odisha presents a unique opportunity for rubber cultivation, as it is not typically associated with rubber production in India. However, the inland hill areas of Cuttack, Puri, Ganjam, and Dhenkanal districts in Odisha possess the ideal agro-climatic conditions necessary for successful rubber cultivation. These regions provide the right combination of soil type, rainfall, temperature, and altitude, creating a suitable environment for rubber trees to thrive.
By expanding rubber cultivation in these inland hill areas, Odisha can tap into the economic potential of the rubber industry while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns. Rubber plantations not only help in soil conservation and preventing erosion but also offer income-generation opportunities for local communities.
The Rubber Board, in collaboration with the government and various stakeholders, is actively promoting and supporting rubber cultivation in these regions. Through training programs, technical assistance, and financial incentives, efforts are being made to encourage farmers to adopt rubber cultivation as an alternative land use practice.
With the successful implementation of rubber cultivation in Odisha’s inland hill areas, the state can diversify its agricultural landscape, boost rural livelihoods, and contribute to the overall economic development of the region. Furthermore, the cultivation of rubber trees can contribute to the conservation of the Eastern Ghats ecosystem, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s natural resources.
Cropping Pattern
Cereals play a dominant role in Odisha’s agricultural landscape, occupying approximately 52 percent of the gross cropped area in 2021–22. Notably, the gross cropped area under non-paddy cereals has experienced a significant increase of 7.56 percent compared to the previous year, while the area under paddy has witnessed a slight decrease of 1.5 percent during the same period. Recognizing the surplus production of paddy, the government has implemented initiatives such as the Odisha Millet Mission to promote the cultivation of non-paddy cereals, diversifying the state’s cereal production.
Pulses hold a prominent position as the next major crop in Odisha, accounting for 22.3 percent of the total gross cropped area in 2021–22. The area dedicated to pulses has remained relatively stable at 22.32 percent in both 2020–21 and 2021–22. Oilseeds also contribute significantly to the crop area, representing approximately 6.6 percent in 2021–22, slightly higher than the previous year. While the share of vegetables in the total gross cropped area has experienced a marginal increase in 2021–22 compared to 2020–21, the share of fruits has witnessed a decline during the same period.
The growing share of “other crops” indicates an expansion in the cultivation of high-value crops such as cotton, other fibres, spices, and flowers. In 2021–22, the area dedicated to spices has increased to 3.09 percent, while the area for flower cultivation has reached 2.67 percent, both showing positive growth compared to the previous year.
The government of Odisha has taken proactive measures to promote crop diversification, particularly focusing on high-value crops like cotton, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, spices, and fruits. Various developmental schemes, including the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Integrated Farming System (IFS), Integrated Agriculture Program (IAP), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Odisha Millet Mission, Technology Mission on Sugarcane, and crop-oriented programs for pulses and oilseeds, have been implemented to support farmers in adopting diversified cropping practices. Moreover, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment has prioritized crop diversification in rice fallow areas, aligning with the 5T (Technology, Teamwork, Transparency, Timeliness, and Transformation) initiatives of the Odisha government.
These concerted efforts towards crop diversification and the promotion of high-value crops are expected to enhance agricultural sustainability, improve farmers’ income, and contribute to the overall growth and development of Odisha’s agricultural sector.