Odisha Government Inaugurates Rs 141.5 Crore Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme
The Odisha government took a significant step towards transforming the state's agricultural landscape on Thursday by signing a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the ambitious Rs 141.50-crore Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP). The signing ceremony took place during the grand inauguration of Krushi Odisha 2026 at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar, marking a pivotal moment in the state's agricultural development journey.
Government's Vision for Agricultural Revolution
Inaugurating the event, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo articulated the government's comprehensive vision to revolutionize Odisha's farm sector through strategic innovation, enhanced market linkages, and sustainable agricultural practices. "Krushi Odisha has evolved into a powerful platform that effectively connects farmers with cutting-edge technology, supportive institutions, and dynamic market players," Deo emphasized during his address. He highlighted how this initiative represents a fundamental shift in how the state approaches agricultural challenges and opportunities.
From Reactive Relief to Science-Led Resilience
Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Arabinda Kumar Padhee provided crucial insights into the philosophical transformation underlying the new programme. "We are consciously moving away from a reactive, relief-driven approach to a proactive, science-led resilient model," Padhee explained. He elaborated that this project transcends traditional temporary aid measures, stating, "This initiative moves decisively beyond providing temporary assistance. We are systematically building an integrated system where scientific principles guide every aspect from individual farm operations to the entire agricultural value chain."
Collaborative Framework and Implementation Strategy
The agreement, formally signed under the National Drought Mitigation Project (NDMP), establishes a robust collaborative framework bringing together multiple key organizations:
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA)
- Prestigious research organizations including ICRISAT, IRRI, and ICAR-CRIDA
With total funding strategically sourced from both the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and state resources, the programme will commence immediate implementation in three highly vulnerable blocks identified as priority areas:
- Komna in Nuapada district
- Kosagumuda in Nabarangpur district
- Raruan in Mayurbhanj district
Direct Benefits and Technological Integration
The comprehensive initiative is projected to directly benefit approximately 24,000 households through multiple intervention strategies:
- Introduction of scientifically developed drought-tolerant seed varieties
- Promotion of innovative water recharge structures
- Strengthening of advanced soil management techniques
A sophisticated real-time digital dashboard will be deployed to continuously monitor critical parameters including soil moisture levels, crop health indicators, and household income patterns, ensuring data-driven decision making throughout the programme's implementation.
Krushi Odisha 2026: Platform for Agricultural Transformation
Krushi Odisha 2026 serves as the ideal platform to showcase best farm practices, agricultural technologies, and innovative solutions specifically aimed at improving farm profitability across the state. The event's primary objectives include:
- Promoting comprehensive value-chain understanding among stakeholders
- Strengthening agricultural enterprise ecosystems
- Building sustainable partnerships among market players, service providers, and agricultural startups
Technical Sessions and Knowledge Resources
The opening day featured two significant technical sessions focusing on specialized agricultural topics:
- Market-driven specialty rice cultivation strategies
- Promoting 'seedpreneurs' for sustainable seed production systems
Additionally, valuable knowledge resources were released including a comprehensive compendium documenting rice fallow management success stories and a practical handbook providing sustainable agricultural input recommendations for farmers across Odisha.
