IS THIS THE ANSWER TO UPCOMING FOOD SHORTAGE? ODISHA LEADS CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE PUSH WITH RICE FALLOW INITIATIVE

Odisha is leading the charge in climate-resilient agriculture with its pioneering rice fallow initiative, aiming to utilize over 1 million hectares of fallow land after rice harvest. The state’s cultivable area of 6.18 million hectares and 10 agro-climatic zones provide a fertile ground for this transformation. Traditionally, coastal areas practiced Paira cropping, but climate change has impacted this conservation practice.
Implemented during the 2022-23 Rabi season, the initiative covered 70,000 hectares, scaling up to 382,000 hectares in 2023-24. Key objectives include increasing cropping intensity, promoting pulse and oilseed production, and restoring soil health. Eco-friendly inputs and advisory services via Ama Krushi bolster farmer capabilities.
Farmers like Lochan Guria and Pandam Patel attest to the initiative’s success, with Bengal gram and green gram cultivation replacing fallow periods. Additionally, measures to address soil acidity across 160,000 hectares enhance productivity.