Odisha’s economy is mainly based on agriculture. Agriculture is the biggest part of the state’s economy, contributing about 20% to its GDP. Around 65% of people work in farming, and nearly 82% of the population lives in rural areas.
In Odisha, about 40% of the land is used for farming. The state has seen some success with farming, including better crop areas, production, and food security. This has helped increase farmers’ incomes. Agriculture also makes up 30% of the state’s total economic output.
The most commonly grown crop in Odisha is rice, followed by pulses, oilseeds, and fiber crops. Jute is the main cash crop, while sugarcane is also important. Other new cash crops include cashew nuts, rubber, and tea. In some areas, people practice shifting cultivation, which is known by different names like Dedhi in Sambalpur, Toila Chasa in Keonjhar, Baru in Ganjam, and Haru in Rayagada.
Cropping Seasons in Odisha
Odisha has three main cropping seasons, just like other parts of India:
1. Kharif Season
- When: June-July (pre-monsoon rain starts), crops are harvested by September-October.
- Crops: Paddy, jowar, millets, maize, groundnut, jute, cotton, pulses.
2. Rabi Season
- When: November to April (no rain, relies on soil moisture and irrigation).
- Crops: Wheat, gram, oilseeds.
- Importance: Rabi crops are crucial for Odisha’s economy.
3. Zaid Season
- When: Summer season between Kharif and Rabi.
- Crops: Short-duration crops like moong, urad, watermelon.
Major Crops of Odisha
Odisha’s climate is great for growing various crops. Here are some of the key crops:
1. Rice
- Area: Coastal plains, river valleys, areas around Hirakud Dam.
- Contributes: 10% of India’s rice production.
- Varieties: Srimati, Priya, Pradhan Dhan, Prasant, Mukul.
- Climate Needs: Hot and humid, average temperature of 25°C and above.
2. Pulses
- Types: Gram, tur, arhar.
- Best Areas: Mahanadi delta, Rushikulya plains, Hirakud, Badimula.
- Key Districts: Cuttack, Puri, Kalahandi, Dhenkanal, Balangir, Sambalpur.
3. Food Grains
- Includes: Cereals, millets, pulses.
- Major Crops: Rice, ragi, maize, wheat, small millets, bajra.
4. Oilseeds
- Types: Sesame, groundnut, mustard, castor, linseed.
- Growing Seasons: Kharif and Rabi.
- Key Districts: Balasore (mustard), Cuttack (groundnut).
- Other: Oil palm in Gajapati, Rayagada, Dhenkanal, Sundergarh.
5. Jute
- Importance: Fourth largest producer in India.
- Growing Areas: Coastal plains of Cuttack, Balasore, Puri.
- Climate Needs: Warm temperature (30-40°C), 70-90% humidity, 150-200 cm of rainfall.
6. Sugarcane
- Importance: Second most important cash crop.
- Key Districts: Cuttack, Sambalpur, Balangir, Kalahandi, Puri.
- Climate Needs: Temperature between 20°C to 28°C, 150 cm of rainfall.
7. Cashew
- Growing Areas: Jeypore (Koraput), Berhampur, Kandhamal.
- Importance: Third largest producer in India.
8. Cotton
- Growing Areas: Koraput, Balangir, Kalahandi.
9. Tea
- Growing Areas: Eastern Ghats, Keonjhar, Phulbani, Koraput.
- Climate Needs: Well-drained soil, hot and humid temperatures (25°C to 32°C), 150-350 cm of rainfall.
10. Coffee
- Growing Areas: Eastern Ghats, Koraput, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Udayagiri, Balliguda.
11. Rubber
- Growing Areas: Inland hill areas of Cuttack, Puri, Ganjam, Dhenkanal.
- Other Areas: Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore.
12. Spices
- Major Spices: Turmeric, ginger.
- Special Areas: Kandhamal for turmeric and ginger.
- Export Quality: Cultivated in Koraput, Phulbani.

Summary Table of Major Crops and Their Districts
Crop | Key Districts |
---|---|
Rice | Cuttack, Sambalpur, Puri, Ganjam, etc. |
Pulses | Cuttack, Puri, Kalahandi, Dhenkanal, etc. |
Food Grains | Various, including Cuttack, Sambalpur |
Oilseeds | Balasore (mustard), Cuttack (groundnut) |
Jute | Cuttack, Balasore, Puri |
Sugarcane | Cuttack, Sambalpur, Balangir, Kalahandi |
Cashew | Jeypore, Berhampur, Kandhamal |
Cotton | Koraput, Balangir, Kalahandi |
Tea | Eastern Ghats, Keonjhar, Koraput |
Coffee | Koraput, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, etc. |
Rubber | Cuttack, Puri, Ganjam, Dhenkanal, etc. |
Spices | Kandhamal (turmeric and ginger) |
Sure, let’s simplify and organize this information for easier understanding by 9th and 10th standard students. I’ll break it into sections, use tables for clarity, and include key points in boxes where necessary.
Agro-Climatic Zones in Odisha
Odisha’s agriculture is influenced by its climate, which includes high temperatures, high humidity, moderate to heavy rainfall, and mild winters. The state is divided into ten agro-climatic zones based on climate, soil, rainfall, and topography.
Agro-Climatic Zones
Agro-Climatic Zone | Agricultural Districts | Climate | Soil Types |
---|---|---|---|
North Western Plateau | Sundargarh, parts of Deogarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda | Hot and moist sub-humid | Red, Brown forest, Red and Yellow, Mixed Red and Black |
North Central Plateau | Mayurbhanj, major parts of Keonjhar | Hot and moist sub-humid | Lateritic, Red and Yellow, Mixed Red and Black |
North Eastern Coastal Plain | Balasore, Bhadrak, parts of Jajpur, Hatadihi (Keonjhar) | Moist sub-humid | Red, Lateritic, Deltaic alluvial, Coastal alluvial, Saline |
East and South Eastern Coastal Plain | Kendrapara, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, parts of Cuttack, Puri, Nayagarh, parts of Ganjam | Hot and humid | Saline, Lateritic, Alluvial, Red, Mixed Red and Black |
North Eastern Ghat | Phulbani, Rayagada, Gajapati, parts of Ganjam, small patches of Koraput | Hot and moist sub-humid | Brown forest, Lateritic, Alluvial, Red, Mixed Red and Black |
Eastern Ghat High Land | Major parts of Koraput, Nabarangpur | Warm and humid | Red, Mixed Red and Black, Mixed Red and Yellow |
South Eastern Ghat | Malkangiri and parts of Keonjhar | Warm and humid | Red, Lateritic, Black |
Western Undulating Zone | Kalahandi, Nuapada | Hot and moist sub-humid | Red, Mixed Red and Black |
Western Central Table Land | Bargarh, Bolangir, Boudh, Sonepur, parts of Sambalpur, Jharsuguda | Hot and moist sub-humid | Red and Yellow, Red and Black, Black, Brown forest, Lateritic |
Mild Central Table Land | Angul, Dhenkanal, parts of Cuttack, Jajpur | Hot and moist sub-humid | Alluvial, Red, Lateritic, Mixed Red and Black |
Horticulture in Odisha
Odisha’s climate is good for growing various fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits | Vegetables |
---|---|
Mango, Coconut, Litchi, Jackfruit (long duration) | Brinjal, Cabbage, Tomato |
Banana, Papaya, Pineapple (short duration) | Grown in Koraput, Keonjhar, Gajapati, Kandhamal |
- Banana is mainly grown in Puri district.
- Area for fruit cultivation: 325.85 thousand hectares.
- Odisha ranks 4th in vegetable production.
Organic Farming: Organic farming is becoming popular due to its benefits.
State Potato Mission
Objective: To make Odisha self-sufficient in potato production.
- Focus on increasing table potato and seed potato production.
- Establish cold storage facilities.
Medicinal Plants
Odisha’s forests have many medicinal plants.
Key Plants:
- Amla, Aswagandha, Bilva, Brahmi, Gudmar
Location: Gandhamardan hill range in Baragarh and Balangir.
Medicinal Plant Garden: Ekamravan in Bhubaneswar, inaugurated in 2006.
Floriculture in Odisha
Odisha has a growing flower market.
- 30% of flowers are grown in Khordha, Berhampur, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Boudh, Sambalpur, and Koraput.
- Popular flowers: Marigold, Lilies, Jasmine, Roses, Orchids, Lotuses.
- Rose cultivation is successful.
- Kewra flowers are grown in Ganjam district.
- Cold storage units help preserve flowers.
Agricultural Policy, 2013
Goals:
- Shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
- Promote horticultural crops and organic farming.
- Encourage investment and contract farming.
- Develop technology parks and horticulture farms.
Agri-Export Zones and Food Parks
These zones focus on producing export-quality agricultural products.
Project Name | Location | Speciality |
---|---|---|
Rice Technology Park | Bhadrak | Rice food processing |
MITS Food Park | Rayagada | Food processing, packaging |
Fishery Harbour | Bhubaneswar | Marine export |
Centre of Excellence | Ganjam | Paddy, groundnut, sugarcane |
Sea Food Park | Deras | Sea food and marine products |
Agri-Export Zone | Kandhamal | Ginger and turmeric products |
Proposed Agri-Export Zones | Angul, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Koraput, Balangir | Various |
Government Schemes for Agricultural Development
- National Mission on Agriculture Extension and Technology (NMAET): Includes four sub-missions for mechanization, extension, seeds, and plant protection.
- Mini Mission-1 on Oilseeds: Focuses on developing oilseed crops.
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Includes soil health, water management, rainfed area development, and climate change monitoring.
- Biju Krushaka Kalyan Yojana (BKKY): Provides health and accident insurance to farm families.
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Supports agricultural projects.
- National Horticulture Mission (NHM): Focuses on major horticultural crops.
- Rajya Beej Evam Krishi Vikas Nigam Limited: Works on seed production and distribution.
- Fruit Orchard Development: Provides assistance for establishing fruit orchards.
Institutions for Agricultural Development
- Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment: Includes Directorate of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Soil Conservation.
- Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation Limited (OSCDC): Develops cashew plantations and provides technical guidance.
- Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL): Promotes agri-enterprises and invests in irrigation projects.
Research Institutes:
- Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack
- University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar
Odisha Agro Industries Corporation (OAIC): Markets agricultural inputs and farm machinery.
Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC): Provides quality seeds and implements seed village programs.
Odisha State Seed and Organic Products Certification Agency (OSSOPCA): Certifies seeds for quality.
Irrigation in Odisha
Irrigation is crucial for agriculture in Odisha. The state has many irrigation projects.
Irrigation Sources
Source | Area Covered |
---|---|
Wells and Tubewells | 65.76% of irrigated area |
Canals and Ponds | 19.98% of irrigated area |
Major Projects:
- Hirakud Dam Project: Irrigates 1,59,106 hectares in Kharif and 1,08,385 hectares in Rabi.
- Upper Indravati Multipurpose Project: Located in Kalahandi district.
- Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project: Ongoing project with Chandil Dam, Guludih Barrage, and Icha Dam.
- Rengali Dam Project: Benefits several districts including Angul and Dhenkanal.
Government Initiatives:
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to improve irrigation with components like Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and Per Drop More Crop.
- Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): Covers 17.02 lakh hectares in clusters.
- Biju Krushak Vikash Yojana (BKVY): Revives and constructs minor irrigation projects.
- Odisha Community Tank Management Project (OCTMP): Repairs and rehabilitates minor irrigation tanks.
FAQs
- What is the percentage of land exploited for cultivation in Odisha?
Answer: 40% - In which district of Odisha is shifting cultivation known as Toila Chasa?
Answer: Keonjhar - Which crop plays a major role in the economy of Odisha?
Answer: Rabi - Which among the following is not a Kharif crop in Odisha?
Answer: Wheat - Which crop has the largest area under cultivation in Odisha?
Answer: Paddy - Mayurbhanj ranks high in the production of which crop?
Answer: Maize - Srimati, Priya, and Prasant are varieties of which crop grown in Odisha?
Answer: Rice - In which of the following soils of Odisha is the production of rice most common?
Answer: Alluvial soil - What is the place of Odisha in the cultivation of jute?
Answer: 4th - Which is the second most important cash crop in Odisha?
Answer: Sugarcane - In which rank does Odisha stand in sugarcane production in India?
Answer: 8th - Koraput, Balangir, and Kalahandi have suitable soil and climate conditions for which crop?
Answer: Cashew - Which among the following are the major spices produced in Odisha?
Answer: Turmeric and Ginger - What kind of climate is found in the North Central Plateau?
Answer: Hot and Moist Sub-humid - Lateritic soil is not found in which Agro-climatic zone?
Answer: Mid Central Table Land - Balasore, Bhadrak, and parts of Jajpur agricultural districts constitute which Agro-climatic zone?
Answer: North Eastern Coastal Plain - Western Undulating Zone belongs to which district?
Answer: Kalahandi - Medicinal plant garden Ekamravan is located where in Odisha?
Answer: Bhubaneswar - Which area is not a major flower-growing area in Odisha?
Answer: Kalahandi - Which one of the following is the first Agri-Export Zone of Odisha?
Answer: Kandhamal - Which of the following institutes was incorporated in 2004?
Answer: Rajya Beej Evam Krishi Vikas Nigam Limited - Which agricultural scheme of Odisha is designed to provide health and accidental insurance to farm families?
Answer: BKKY - National Horticulture Mission has been operational in Odisha since which year?
Answer: 2005-06 - Mini Mission-1 is related to which crop?
Answer: Oil seeds - Which of the following offices is implementing the ‘Seed Village Programmes’?
Answer: Odisha State Seed Corporation - What is the share of wells, hand pumps, and borewells in the Odishan Irrigation System?
Answer: 2/3rd - Rusikulya Irrigation Project is related to which river?
Answer: Mahanadi - Which among the following Irrigation projects in Odisha is not based on the Godavari basin?
Answer: Upper Indravati Project - Which district does not get water from the Hirakud project in Odisha?
Answer: Balasore - Which project is based on the Brahmani river?
Answer: Rengali - Odisha Watershed Development Mission has been designated as the State Nodal Agency for which project?
Answer: PMKSY - Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited was established during which year?
Answer: 1996 - Major projects namely Upper Indravati Left Canal System and Upper Kolab Irrigation Project have been sanctioned under which scheme?
Answer: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) - Which of the following acts as a virtual office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority?
Answer: APICOL - District-wise in Odisha, which of the following is in the second rank in jute production?
Answer: Balasore and Cuttack - Which of the following statements about pulses cultivation in Odisha is correct?
Answer: Both statements are correct. - Which statements about the aims of the State Agricultural Policy, 2013, are correct?
Answer: All of these statements are correct. - Which statements about OCTDMS are correct?
Answer: Both statements are correct.