Bhubaneswar, January 22: In a significant step towards climate-proofing its agricultural sector, the Odisha Government has launched a Rs 141.50 crore Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP). Signed under the framework of the National Drought Mitigation Project (NDMP), this Rs 141.50 crore initiative represents a paradigmme shift from reactive disaster relief to a proactive, science-led resilience model.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed today in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo at Krushi Odisha 2026.
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.
The MoA aims at total funding of Rs 141.50 crore sourced through the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and State Government funds will be launched in three high-vulnerable blocks – Komna in Nuapada district, Kosagumuda in Nabarangpur district, and Raruan in Mayurbhanj district – thereby benefitting 24,000 households directly.
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.
