Bhubaneswar: During the inaugural session of Krushi Odisha 2026, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha, to implement the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP) under the broader National Drought Mitigation Programme framework.
The OADMP has been conceptualised as an integrated, landscape-based initiative that will be implemented across three identified clusters. Unlike conventional, stand-alone schemes, the programme adopts a coordinated approach that simultaneously addresses soil health, water management, crops, livestock, and market linkages, treating them as interconnected components of a single agricultural ecosystem. This design aims to build long-term resilience in farming systems and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Highlighting the shift in strategy, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, DA&FE, said the programme marks a departure from fragmented, scheme-driven interventions. He explained that OADMP follows a “landscape-first” approach, integrating water, soil, and crop management at the cluster level to ensure that each intervention reinforces the other. The emphasis, he noted, is on creating a robust, science-based agricultural system that delivers sustained impact rather than short-term relief.
The initiative brings together a consortium of leading national and international institutions, including ICRISAT, IRRI, and ICAR-CRIDA, to address drought risks through evidence-driven and community-centred solutions. Key focus areas include stabilising farm yields, enhancing cropping intensity through drought-tolerant varieties, and promoting community-managed water recharge mechanisms.
In addition, the programme seeks to empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by improving access to farm mechanisation and connecting producers with high-value markets.
The collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening climate resilience, fostering innovation, and empowering farmers, paving the way for a more secure and sustainable agricultural future for Odisha.
