Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has taken a decisive leap towards climate-proofing its agricultural sector with the launch of the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP). Signed under the framework of the National Drought Mitigation Project (NDMP), this ₹141.50 crore initiative represents a paradigm shift from reactive disaster relief to a proactive, science-led resilience model.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed today by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment in the presence of Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Agriculture & FE and Energy at Krushi Odisha 2026 inaugural session. The project is a collaborative powerhouse, bringing together the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), and international research giants including ICRISAT, IRRI, and ICAR-CRIDA.
Departing from traditional “scheme-wise” fixes, the OADMP adopts a “landscape-first” strategy. The programme integrates water, soil, and crop management across entire village clusters to ensure that interventions reinforce one another. This project moves beyond temporary aid. We are building a system where science leads the way—from the farm to the entire value chain, stated Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, DAFE.
The MoA aims at total funding of ₹141.50 crore sourced through the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and State Government funds. Immediate implementation in three high-vulnerable blocks: Komna (Nuapada), Kosagumuda (Nabarangpur), and Raruan (Mayurbhanj). Reaching 24,000 households directly, with thousands more benefiting through convergence with existing state and central schemes. A real-time digital dashboard will track progress—from soil moisture levels to household income ensuring total transparency and data-driven scaling.
The programme aims to deliver steadier yields and higher cropping intensity by introducing drought-tolerant seed varieties and distributed water recharge systems maintained by the community. Furthermore, it empowers Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by improving their access to modern mechanization and high-value markets.
The MoA was signed by Shubham Saxena (Director of Agriculture & FP, Odisha) alongside Dr. Himanshu Pathak (Director General, ICRISAT), Dr. V. K. Singh (Director, ICAR-CRIDA), and Dr. Swati Nayak (South Asia Lead, IRRI). With this launch, Odisha reinforces its position as a national leader in disaster management and climate-resilient agriculture, setting a blueprint for other drought-prone states across India.
