Agriculture in Cuttack District: Rice belt of the Mahanadi delta
Cuttack is one of Odisha's notable agricultural districts, best known for rice belt of the Mahanadi delta. Its farmland is fed by Mahanadi, Kathajodi and sits on predominantly alluvial delta soil, a combination that favours rice, sugarcane, vegetables. Unlike a generic state average, Cuttack's cropping is shaped by this specific soil-and-water mix, which is why the crops and schemes below are weighted to what actually grows and sells here.
What Grows Best in Cuttack
The district's main crops are Rice (Paddy), Sugarcane, vegetables. rice leads the local economy, so Cuttack farmers should track the Rice (Paddy) rate closely and plan sowing, inputs and storage around it. The alluvial delta soil here is fertile and well-drained, ideal for wheat, rice, sugarcane and vegetables.
Crop Calendar for Cuttack (Sowing & Harvest)
Based on Cuttack's main crops, here is when to sow and harvest locally. Plan inputs, labour and credit around these windows:
| Crop | Season & Window | All-India rate (16 October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 🍚 Rice (Paddy) | Kharif (Sow: Jun-Jul, Harvest: Oct-Nov) | ₹3,750/qtl |
| 🎋 Sugarcane | Plant: Feb-Mar (spring) or Oct-Nov (autumn), Harvest: 10-12 months | ₹350/qtl |
| vegetables | Local seasonal crop | - |
Soil, Water & Irrigation in Cuttack
With alluvial delta soil and water from the Mahanadi, Kathajodi, the priority for Cuttack farmers is matching irrigation to the crop. Drip and sprinkler subsidies and a solar pump can cut water and power costs significantly. A free soil health card tells you exactly which nutrients your plot needs.
Best Way to Sell rice from Cuttack
Since rice is central to Cuttack, time your sale using the live rice rate. Sell at Cuttack Mandi and compare with neighbouring mandis. Grade and clean produce for a 15-20% premium, and list on eNAM to reach buyers beyond Cuttack.
Mandi Prices in Cuttack
These are the crops actually trading in Cuttack's markets (Banki APMC, Kendupatna APMC), with the modal price per quintal reported on 1 June 2026:
| Commodity | Min | Max | Modal Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin | ₹800 | ₹1,800 | ₹1,200 |
| Cucumbar(Kheera) | ₹3,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,200 |
| Cowpea(Veg) | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,200 |
| Ridgeguard(Tori) | ₹3,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,200 |
| Banana - Green | ₹1,300 | ₹1,300 | ₹1,300 |
| Tomato | ₹2,200 | ₹2,600 | ₹2,400 |
| Bhindi(Ladies Finger) | ₹2,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,200 |
| Brinjal | ₹3,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,200 |
Source: Agmarknet daily arrivals for Cuttack, Odisha, as of 1 June 2026.
What Cuttack Actually Grows: Official Crop Statistics
In 2024-25, Cuttack's largest crops by area were Rice (Paddy), Moong (Green Gram), Groundnut. Rice (Paddy) alone covered 1,15,073 ha (84% of the area under the crops listed below), with a yield of 2,735 kg/ha, 10% above the Odisha average. The biggest shifts since 2019-20: Moong (Green Gram) area -42%.
| Crop | Area (ha) | Production (tonnes) | Yield (kg/ha) | Odisha avg yield | Area change since 2019-20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (Paddy) | 1,15,073 | 3,14,749 | 2,735 | 2,485 | -3% |
| Moong (Green Gram) | 20,635 | 9,696 | 470 | 480 | -42% |
| Groundnut | 1,480 | 3,372 | 2,278 | 2,096 | +239% |
| Sugarcane | 225 | 16,349 | 72,640 | 51,338 | -77% |
| Sesame (Til) | 141 | 50 | 357 | 265 | - |
| Mustard (Rapeseed) | 136 | 33 | 245 | 342 | +1600% |
| Maize (Corn) | 31 | 120 | 3,878 | 3,071 | - |
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India (final estimates), via UPAg. Field crops only - vegetables, fruit and spices are counted separately. Odisha average = sum of the state's district estimates.
Climate & Sowing Windows in Cuttack
Cuttack receives about 1574 mm of rain in an average year, 75% of it in June-September. The wettest month is July (343 mm). Days are hottest in April (average high 40°C) and nights coolest in January (average low 13°C).
- Rain typically first crosses 100 mm a month in May, the usual cue for kharif sowing here.
- At about 1574 mm a year, water is plentiful in season; field drainage matters as much as irrigation, and paddy and plantation crops suit the climate.
| Month | Rain (mm) | Avg high | Avg low |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11 | 26° | 13° |
| February | 17 | 31° | 16° |
| March | 23 | 36° | 21° |
| April | 41 | 40° | 25° |
| May | 102 | 39° | 26° |
| June | 211 | 34° | 26° |
| July | 343 | 31° | 25° |
| August | 341 | 30° | 25° |
| September | 288 | 30° | 25° |
| October | 164 | 29° | 22° |
| November | 23 | 27° | 17° |
| December | 10 | 25° | 13° |
Source: NASA POWER long-term monthly averages (satellite and model based, so they can understate rain on coasts and hills) for the centre of Cuttack district (20.3701, 85.4697). These are normals, not a forecast for any one year; for this week see the farm weather forecast.
For Cuttack Farmers: Solar Pumps & Tractors
Districts Near Cuttack
Before you sell, compare mandis in neighbouring districts too (straight-line distance between district centres):
Land records and Farmer ID in Odisha
Government Schemes for Cuttack Farmers
Farmers in Cuttack are eligible for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Kisan Credit Card, Soil Health Card Scheme, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, eNAM - National Agriculture Market and more. For Cuttack's rice growers, crop insurance, KCC and irrigation subsidies are the priority. Apply at the Cuttack district agriculture office, a CSC, or online via the Subsidy Finder.