Under the framework of the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP), a comprehensive multi-sectoral intervention was successfully executed in Raruan villages to enhance household nutritional security and diversify rural livelihoods. The programme allocated 2,000 tissue-culture banana, 700 litchi, and 700 dragon fruit high-quality seedlings.
The agroforestry drive covered 26 villages across the 03 Gram Panchayats of Tilakuti, Godapalasa, and Bhanjakia during 14-15 October, 2026, directly benefiting 475 farmers. Notably, approximately 90% of the beneficiaries were farm women, underscoring OADMP’s commitment to strengthening women's participation in homestead horticulture. To ensure sustainable production, the seedling allocation was closely paired with village-level awareness campaigns and hands-on technical guidance on advanced planting techniques.
In a demonstration of inter-departmental convergence, the OADMP team also addressed critical livestock health and agricultural mechanization needs within the region. Partnering with the local Animal Husbandry Department, the team conducted animal health camps in Jamunalia and Mamuripani villages, treating 597 animals and poultry birds for various ailments, alongside vaccinating 56 cows against Lumpy Skin Disease under the convergence programme.
Simultaneously, a strategic priority was directed toward the establishment of community-managed Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) to accelerate institutional farm mechanisation and mitigate labor inefficiencies. To systematise the CHC formation process, OADMP executed stakeholder consultative workshops involving village committee members and local block administration officials across the Godapalasa, Tilakuti, and Bhanjakia Gram Panchayats.
Through a demand-driven approach, the team systematically selected a localized inventory of farm implements specifically tailored across 3 clusters. Operational modalities and an affordable rental rate card system aligned with the approved guidelines of the Odisha State Government were discussed, ensuring smallholder farmers gain sustainable, cost-effective access to modern machinery for smallholders.
(Source: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)
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