Odisha Launches Climate Resilience Cell to Strengthen Agricultural Sustainability

Bhubaneswar: The Climate Resilience Cell (CRC) was officially inaugurated today at Krushi Bhavan by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. This marks a significant advancement in Odisha’s commitment to enhancing climate resilience within its agricultural sector.

The CRC, established under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), is tasked with the implementation and monitoring of the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC). This initiative aims to create a robust, carbon-sensitive policy framework through collaborative research, policy analytics, institutional capacity building, and extensive policy engagement. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and The Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) have been designated as the main knowledge partners for this endeavor.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted the urgent need for adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices to ensure sustainable production and food security. “To meet the challenges of climate change and secure our food and nutrition needs, it is essential to adopt practices that enhance climate resilience,” he stated. He also emphasized the roles of IFPRI and CSTEP in supporting DAFE through capacity building, policy advocacy, GHGs emission reduction, and the introduction of efficient irrigation techniques.

Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of DAFE, noted the unique opportunity presented by the CRC to collectively address carbon goals while protecting farmers’ livelihoods. “This initiative represents our commitment to a multifaceted approach involving policies and programs across various domains to achieve sustainable food systems. Importantly, this project will be funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring no financial burden on the State Government,” Padhee said.

Shahidur Rashid, Director for South Asia at IFPRI, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, affirming, “IFPRI is excited to support DAFE by leveraging our expertise in agriculture, climate resilience, and policy research. Our goal is to introduce innovations, build capacities, and foster sustainable practices through our global network of excellence.”

The inauguration event was attended by key dignitaries including Dr. Prem Kumar Jha, Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary of the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department; Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Director of Agriculture;  Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Director of Horticulture; Shubhranshu Mishra, Additional Secretary of DAFE; and Dr. Mamata Pradhan, Research Coordinator from IFPRI. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort to bolster Odisha’s agricultural resilience and sustainability.

The establishment of the Climate Resilience Cell represents a significant milestone in Odisha’s efforts to combat the impacts of climate change on agriculture through targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. By focusing on sustainable practices and inclusive growth, the CRC is poised to enhance the resilience of the state’s agricultural systems, safeguard livelihoods, and contribute to economic development.