Bhubaneswar: A state-level consultation on ‘Climate Smart Agriculture: Strategies for Resilient Farming’ was held today at the Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre in Bhubaneswar. The workshop was organised by Passing Gifts, a subsidiary of Heifer International, bringing together farmers, experts, development practitioners, NGO representatives and academicians to discuss solutions for climate-resilient agriculture in Odisha.
The consultation witnessed participation from over 106 stakeholders, including progressive farmers, researchers, practitioners and representatives from academic and development institutions, who deliberated on practical strategies to help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change and improve agricultural productivity.
During the technical session, Susant Kumar Jata, Technical Officer at ICAR – Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), highlighted the importance of climate-resilient tuber crops such as cassava, yam, taro, elephant foot yam and arrowroot.
“These crops are drought and flood resistant, require relatively low investment and can provide good yields with fewer disease risks. They are also nutritionally rich and were once an important part of our staple diet,” he said, adding that improved harvesting and storage systems could further enhance their benefits for farmers.
Agriculture expert Ambika Nanda stressed the need for diversified farming systems. “Climate change is affecting every sector, and integrated farming is one of the most effective ways to build resilience and ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers,” he said.
Dr Subash Sahu, Deputy Director of Extension at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), highlighted the urgent need to restore soil health. “Excessive use of chemical fertilisers has gradually degraded soil fertility. Promoting chemical-free and sustainable farming practices is essential to protect agricultural productivity for future generations,” he noted.
Progressive farmer Susmita Mohanta from Keonjhar shared her journey of becoming financially independent through farming. “With the right knowledge and support, farming can transform rural livelihoods. It has helped me support my family and provide better opportunities for my children,” she said.
Chinmayananda Pati also spoke about the use of fly ash in agriculture, explaining its potential benefits in improving soil properties and supporting better crop growth when applied scientifically.
Speaking on the occasion, Akshaya Biswal, Program Director (Odisha), Passing Gifts, said the consultation served as a platform for collaboration among farmers, researchers and practitioners.
“Climate-smart agriculture is essential for strengthening farmers’ resilience to changing weather patterns. Through such engagements, we aim to promote practical solutions that can help smallholder farmers adapt and sustain their livelihoods,” he said.
The workshop concluded with panel discussions, farmer experience-sharing sessions and demonstrations of sustainable farming practices, reinforcing the need for collective efforts to promote climate-resilient agriculture in Odisha.
About Passing Gifts
Passing Gifts is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heifer International that provides consulting, training, advisory, monitoring, and technical support services to individuals, associations, and organizations in India and abroad. Focused on social advancement and sustainable development, Passing Gifts partners with key stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions that foster lasting social, environmental, and economic change. The organization has a strong presence in Odisha, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, empowering rural communities through capacity building across sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and now clean energy integration.
