In a significant step towards strengthening women-led agricultural enterprises in Odisha, the Mission Shakti Department and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to enhance sustainable livelihoods for women belonging to Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The agreement was signed at Mission Shakti Bhawan in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Mission Shakti Commissioner-cum-Secretary Manasi Nimbal, marking a new phase of collaboration focused on climate-resilient agriculture, innovation and rural entrepreneurship.
Partnership to Empower Women Farmers
Speaking on the occasion, Manasi Nimbal said women farmers need access to scientific knowledge, modern technology and stronger market linkages to overcome the challenges posed by climate change.
She said the collaboration with ICRISAT will empower lakhs of SHG members by equipping them with advanced agricultural practices and business opportunities.
According to her, the initiative will support the government’s vision of creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ while contributing to the broader goals of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Odisha.
District-Specific Agriculture Projects Planned
As part of the agreement, several location-specific agricultural initiatives will be implemented across Odisha.
In Puri and Khordha districts, women SHG members will undertake the removal of invasive aquatic vegetation from water bodies and convert the biomass into value-added products. The initiative aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while improving the ecological health of local water bodies.
In Rayagada, projects will promote the production of biochar from locally available cotton stalks and pigeon pea residues. Biochar is expected to improve soil fertility while supporting carbon sequestration and sustainable farming.
The programme will also encourage the large-scale cultivation of high-quality grafted vegetable seedlings in the identified districts to improve productivity and farm income.
Focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture
The collaboration will provide extensive training to women SHG members in cultivating millets, pulses and oilseeds, along with promoting natural farming practices.
ICRISAT will introduce climate-smart agricultural technologies, digital farming advisory services and improved seed varieties to help women farmers enhance productivity and build resilience against changing climatic conditions.
Better Branding and Market Access
The partnership also focuses on strengthening the entire agricultural value chain.
Women entrepreneurs will receive technical and business support in product packaging, branding, value addition and market linkages, enabling them to expand their businesses and improve household incomes.
The initiative is expected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities while encouraging environmentally responsible agricultural practices across the state.
Senior Officials Attend the Event
The programme was attended by Mission Shakti Director Dr Monica Priyadarshini, ICRISAT Deputy Director General Dr Stanford Blade, along with senior officials from the Mission Shakti Department, Odisha Livelihoods Mission and ICRISAT.
The collaboration is expected to accelerate women-led rural enterprises and promote sustainable agricultural development in Odisha.
