Odisha Deputy CM warns against fertiliser diversion and official negligence

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo has issued warnings regarding both agricultural resource management and departmental accountability.

Addressing the diversion of agricultural inputs, Singh Deo warned fertiliser dealers that strict action will be taken if fertilisers intended for kharif crops are diverted to illegal ganja cultivation. This comes as the state government promotes alternative fertilisers, such as nano-urea and complex fertilisers, to mitigate disruptions in the supply of urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) caused by global supply-chain volatility.

Separately, Singh Deo criticized horticulture officials for poor reporting and a lack of transparency. During a conference of horticulture officers, he demanded measurable results and proper documentation of training programmes, stating, “The government is not a rubber stamp, and neither am I.” He issued a seven-day deadline for officials to comply with government directions, emphasizing that the elected government maintains authority over the bureaucratic machinery.