23-24 March 2026, Hyderabad
A team of scientists from ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, conducted intensive field interactions with farmers in the drought-prone Raruan block of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, on 23–24 March 2026 under the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP).
Supported by the National Disaster Mitigation Fund and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Bhubaneswar, the initiative aimed to assess ground-level challenges and identify location-specific strategies for drought mitigation and sustainable livelihoods.
As part of the programme, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was organized on 23 March 2026 across 12 villages Badamenta, Panchudala, Godapalasa, Bisidia, Dhangidiposi, Purunia, Tingria, Kulundi, Sanapalasa, Brundeiposi, Panasi and Bhardapasi under Godapalasa Gram Panchayat. Using a structured questionnaire, the team collected baseline information on natural resource management, cropping systems, livestock integration, agroforestry practices, farm mechanization, and soil health. Farmers actively participated, sharing their experiences and constraints alongside local agriculture officials.
On 24 March 2026, the team undertook a detailed transect walk across five representative villages Panasi and Panchudala (Godapalasa GP), Takudipala (Bhanjakia GP), and Papada and Reteisahi (Tilokuti GP). Covering upper, middle, and lower landscape positions, the exercise provided a comprehensive understanding of the agro-ecosystem, including soil variability, water flow dynamics, resource-use patterns, and critical intervention points.
The scientists also visited the Agriculture District Office in Jashipur and held discussions with key officials. The interaction focused on strengthening institutional convergence and aligning scientific interventions for effective programme implementation.
The field engagement is expected to contribute to the development of targeted, climate-resilient strategies tailored to the needs of farmers in drought-affected regions of Odisha.
(Source: ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)
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