Odisha Reviews OIIPCRA to Link Irrigation with Agriculture and Fisheries

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is looking to make irrigation projects more closely linked with farm production and rural livelihoods, with the government reviewing the progress of the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA).

The inter-departmental review meeting, chaired by Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Shubha Sarma, focused on strengthening irrigation infrastructure and using improved water resources to support agriculture, horticulture and fisheries.

Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav and Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish S. N. attended the meeting.

The review brought together officials from the Water Resources, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Horticulture and Fisheries departments, along with APICOL, Minor Irrigation and the Odisha Community Tank Development and Management Society. The departments are working together under OIIPCRA to connect irrigation facilities with agricultural production and livelihood opportunities.

Officials reviewed the overall status of the project, including its financial components and the progress of activities being implemented by different departments. The need for closer coordination to ensure that irrigation infrastructure translates into higher agricultural production and livelihood opportunities was stressed.

The meeting also examined the implementation of the Pulse Production Improvement Initiative in areas covered by irrigation facilities.

Progress on civil works, tank improvement and digital mapping of tanks under Minor Irrigation and OCCL was reviewed as well. Officials discussed ways to use improved tanks beyond water conservation, particularly for supporting crop cultivation and fisheries in surrounding areas.

An integrated livelihood model combining fish farming in tanks with suitable crop cultivation on adjoining land was also discussed during the meeting. The approach is aimed at making better use of irrigation assets while creating multiple livelihood opportunities for rural communities.

The implementation of the GCF project was another issue on the agenda, with officials reviewing administrative arrangements required to ensure continuity of project activities.

Director, Agriculture & Food Production Shubham Saxena, Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director of Fisheries Siddhartha Das, Director, Special Projects, PR & DW Department Siddharth Shankar Swain, Project Director, OIIPCRA Sabita Mallick, and Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary Er. Bighnaraj Purohit were among those present.

Senior officials from the concerned departments and partner institutions also attended the meeting.