Odisha is located between latitudes 17.78°N and 22.73°N and longitudes 81.37°E and 87.53°E, covering an area of 155,707 km², which accounts for 4.87% of India's total land area. The state also has a 450 km-long coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The eastern part of Odisha features a vast coastal plain, stretching from the Subarnarekha River in the north to the Rushikulya River in the south. This region is enriched by fertile silt deposits from six major rivers—Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi, and Rushikulya—which make it ideal for agriculture. Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, is also a part of this plain.
One of the key agricultural research institutions in the state is the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack. Recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), CRRI plays a crucial role in rice gene banking and research. However, the coastal stretch between Puri and Bhadrak is particularly vulnerable to cyclonic activity due to its slight outward projection into the sea, making Odisha one of the most cyclone-prone states in India.
Nearly three-quarters of Odisha is covered by mountain ranges, with deep and broad river-carved valleys that have fertile soil and are densely populated. Apart from mountains, the state also features plateaus and rolling uplands, which have a lower elevation compared to the plateaus. The highest peak in Odisha is Deomali in Koraput district, standing at 1,672 meters. Other significant peaks include Sinkaram (1,620 m), Golikoda (1,617 m), and Yendrika (1,582 m). These geographical features contribute to Odisha’s diverse landscape, influencing its climate, agriculture, and natural resources.