Odisha Launches GEF 7-Cycle Project to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), kicked off a significant initiative aimed at transforming agricultural practices in the state. The one-day inception workshop for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 7-cycle project titled “Promotion of Sustainable Food Systems in India through Transforming Rice-Wheat Systems in Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh” was held at Krushi Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

During the workshop, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted the project’s alignment with Odisha’s goals for sustainable agriculture. He emphasized the importance of this initiative in creating a more resilient and food-secure future for the state, noting that it mirrors the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural sustainability.

FAO Representative in India, Takayuki Hagiwara, praised the project’s innovative focus on sustainable farming practices within collaboratively managed landscapes. He expressed FAO’s dedication to working closely with the Government of Odisha to achieve successful outcomes, reinforcing the importance of preserving ecosystem services and global environmental values.

Sanjay Sethi, the National Project Coordinator, provided insights into the project’s objectives, which are part of the broader ‘Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact India’ program. This initiative aims to promote sustainable rice farming in Odisha, conserve vital soil and water resources, and enhance farmers’ resilience to climate-related challenges. The project will be implemented in the Ganjam and Kalahandi districts.

The workshop brought together nearly 100 stakeholders, including officials from various state departments, Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, and representatives from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT). The collaborative atmosphere aimed to foster a shared understanding of the project’s goals and its anticipated impact on sustainable agriculture in Odisha.

Key attendees included Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, and Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Director of the Directorate of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development. Their participation underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural practices and supporting farmers across the state.

The five-year GEF 7 FOLUR Impact Program seeks to transform India’s agricultural landscape by promoting sustainable practices and healthy ecosystems while delivering significant global environmental benefits. By adopting a “whole food system” approach, the project empowers farmers to manage their agricultural practices sustainably and resiliently.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) acts as the nodal operational focal point for this initiative, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) serves as the implementing ministry. The collaborative effort involves the state governments of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Punjab, all working together to execute this vital project.