Signed under the framework of the National Drought Mitigation Project (NDMP), the Rs 141.50 crore initiative represents a paradigm shift from reactive disaster relief to a proactive, science-led resilience model.
Photo: SNS
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), the Rs 141.50 crore initiative represents a paradigm shift from reactive disaster relief to a proactive, science-led resilience model.
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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.
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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 Rs 141.50 crore sourced through the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and State Government funds. Immediate implementation in three highly 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 Organisations (FPOs) by improving their access to modern mechanisation 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.
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