The Odisha Cabinet today approved the continuation of the “Crop Diversification Programme” for an additional three years, from 2025-26 to 2027-28.
The scheme, with an estimated cost of Rs 1523.98 Crore, aims to shift focus from traditional paddy cultivation to more diverse and high-value crops, marking a pioneering effort in promoting agricultural diversification across the state.
The programme traces its origins to the Crop Diversification Programme in Mega Lift Irrigation Projects, initially launched by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment during Kharif 2021. Its primary goal was to diversify upland and medium land paddy areas into non-paddy crops within the ayacut of mega lift irrigation projects on a pilot basis. Building on its success, the scheme was expanded in the financial year 2022-23 with two new components: the promotion of indigenous aromatic rice and comprehensive rice fallow management.
This extension underscores the government’s commitment to revitalising soil health, boosting populations of micro fauna, and preserving the chemical and biological properties of soil. By encouraging diversification, the programme seeks to improve water use efficiency, ramp up production of non-paddy and high-value crops, and ultimately elevate the socio-economic status, nutritional security, and income levels of farmers statewide.
Funded through the State Plan Scheme, the initiative will be rolled out across all 30 districts of Odisha. Over the three-year period, it plans to cover 11.50 lakh hectares of rice fallow areas under pulse crops, divert 1.95 lakh hectares of upland and medium land paddy areas to non-paddy and high-value crops, and convert 1.97 lakh hectares of regularly cultivated paddy areas to indigenous aromatic paddy varieties with strong export potential.
This first-of-its-kind programme is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering resilient farming practices, reducing dependency on paddy, and addressing environmental challenges while empowering rural communities.
