In a pivotal move to bolster agricultural resilience amid escalating climate challenges, Odisha’s Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department hosted an inception workshop today to formalise the Odisha Climate-Smart Agriculture Alliance (OCSAA).
Collaborating with the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) and Catalyst Management Services (CMS), the alliance aims to unite diverse stakeholders for scaling climate-resilient farming practices across the state.
The workshop brought together senior government officials, research institutions, private sector entities, civil society organisations, development agencies, and policy experts to chart a collaborative path forward. Emphasising integrated approaches, the alliance seeks to embed climate resilience into agricultural policies, enhance soil and water conservation, promote resilient crops and diversified systems, harness digital tools and data-driven insights, and mobilise blended finance for widespread adoption of climate-smart solutions.
Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee highlighted the need for concerted action: “Climate change cannot be addressed in isolation. The OCSAA serves as a platform to showcase and implement prioritised climate-smart technologies through partner organisations, integrating resilience into planning while promoting horticulture, science-based tools, and innovative financing.”
Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice Chancellor of Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), stressed the urgency: “The impacts of climate change are real and palpable. Collective efforts are essential to make our fields climate-smart, ensuring food and nutrition security for Odisha and beyond.”
Subrat Kumar Panda, Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development, added that climate-smart agriculture is now “central to safeguarding farmer livelihoods, food security, and long-term sustainability.”
Dr. Indu K. Murthy from CSTEP underscored the farmer-centric approach: “The alliance places farmers at the core, co-creating locally relevant, viable, and scalable solutions to improve livelihoods and protect natural resources.”
Shiv Kumar, Co-founder & Director of CMS, noted the power of partnership: “By uniting distinct capabilities, we reduce risks, accelerate learning, and unlock statewide impact—moving solutions from pilots to sustained adoption, bringing resilience, dignity, and hope to farmers.”
The discussions will shape the alliance’s roadmap, flagship programs, and governance framework, positioning Odisha as a national frontrunner in collaborative, science-driven, farmer-focused climate action.
Attendees included senior departmental officers, scientists from institutions like CRRI, IIWM, CIWA, and CIFA, private partners, civil society representatives, and policymakers. Additional Secretary Shri Shubhranshu Mishra delivered the vote of thanks.
This initiative marks Odisha’s proactive commitment to transforming agriculture in the face of climate variability, fostering sustainable growth and enhanced farmer prosperity.
