ICAR–CRIDA, Hyderabad Facilitates Formation of Village Committees under OADMP in Odisha

24 April 2026, Hyderabad

A team of scientists from the ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, undertook an intensive field engagement programme in Odisha from April 21–23, 2026, as part of the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP). The initiative is supported by the National Disaster Mitigation Fund and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), Government of Odisha.

The programme was implemented in the Raruan block of Mayurbhanj district, where focused efforts were made to establish village-level institutional mechanisms for drought mitigation and sustainable resource management. Village committees were successfully formed across 26 villages under three Gram Panchayats Godapalasa, Bhanjakia, and Tilokuti to oversee integrated management of water, soil, crops, trees, and livestock systems.

The formation of these committees was carried out through participatory processes, with members nominated by the village communities in the presence of Gram Panchayat leaders. Care was taken to ensure inclusive representation, including small and marginal farmers, landless households, women farmers, members of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, youth, progressive farmers, and representatives from Women Self-Help Groups.

Each village committee has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing and implementing Village Level Plans in close coordination with the OADMP team and relevant state line departments, aimed at strengthening climate resilience and improving agricultural sustainability.

During the visit, the ICAR-CRIDA team also held detailed consultations with the Soil Conservation Officer of Raruan block to align soil and water conservation interventions with project objectives.

Subsequently, on April 24, 2026, the team held a review meeting in Bhubaneswar with senior state officials, including Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, DAFE, Government of Odisha. Discussions focused on the progress of village committee formation and overall programme implementation.

Further deliberations were held with Niti Ranjan Sen, Managing Director of OSSC Ltd., regarding the availability and pricing of certified seeds in preparation for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season. The team also interacted with Bishnu Prasad Mishra, Chief Engineer, Government of Odisha, on issues related to farm mechanization and the provision of agricultural implements.

The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening community-led drought mitigation strategies and promoting resilient agricultural systems in vulnerable regions of Odisha.

(Source: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)