Bhubaneswar: Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) has launched the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP) under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).
This Rs 141.50 crore initiative aims to boost climate resilience, productivity, and crop diversification in drought-prone districts. Implemented in Komna (Nuapada), Kosagumuda (Nabarangpur), and Raruan (Mayurbhanj) blocks, OADMP will benefit around 24,000 households, focusing on smallholder, marginal, tribal, women, and youth farmers.
The MoU was signed on the occasion of Krushi Odisha – 2026.
The programme is a collaborative effort with technical support from ICRISAT, ICAR-CRIDA, and IRRI. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo emphasized the need for proactive drought management, highlighting the importance of building resilience to protect livelihoods and strengthen the rural economy.
Additional Chief Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee noted that this is the first-ever programme on Drought Mitigation funded by NDMA, focusing on science-led planning, convergence, and community ownership.
Dr. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Shubhranshu Mishra, Additional Secretary, representatives from NDMA, OSDMA, IMD, scientists from KVK, senior officials were presented. Sangram Keshari Pattanayak, Joint Director, DA&FE, delivered vote of thanks.
