29 July 2026, Khordha
In a proactive effort to mitigate the adverse impacts of anticipated El Niño-induced climatic variability, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-Khordha (ICAR-CIFA), under the jurisdiction of ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, implemented a series of climate-resilient contingency measures in Balianta Block of Khordha district, Odisha. The initiatives, comprising frontline demonstrations, awareness programmes and climate-smart crop management practices, aimed at strengthening farmers' resilience and ensuring sustainable agricultural production under changing climatic conditions.
To enhance the resilience of paddy cultivation in flood-prone low-lying areas, frontline demonstrations of climate-resilient paddy varieties Pooja, Kalachampa and Swarna Sub-1 were conducted over 16 acres in Nagapursasan and Raigurubasudeipur villages. Implemented in farmers' fields, the demonstrations showcased flood-tolerant varieties capable of sustaining productivity under prolonged waterlogging conditions.
Promoting sustainable vegetable cultivation, KVK-Khordha, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Odisha, demonstrated poly-mulching, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in brinjal cultivation at the field of farmers of the village. The intervention is expected to improve soil moisture conservation, optimize nutrient use efficiency, reduce pest incidence and enhance crop productivity despite climatic uncertainties.
As part of its climate-smart agriculture initiatives, the KVK also demonstrated green manuring over 4 acres in paddy fields to improve soil health and sustain crop productivity. The farmers also adopted Dhaincha green manuring, highlighting the growing acceptance of sustainable soil management practices among farmers. The intervention promotes balanced fertilizer use, enhances soil fertility and organic matter content, and supports sustainable paddy cultivation during the Kharif season. An awareness programme on El Niño contingency measures was also organised at Nagapur village in Balianta Block to strengthen the preparedness of farming communities against climate-induced agricultural challenges.
A total of 52 farmwomen participated in the programme and were sensitized to the likely impacts of El Niño on crop production. They were trained on practical climate-resilient strategies, including contingency crop planning, efficient water management and climate-smart farming practices. The interactive programme also underscored the pivotal role of women in building resilient farming systems and strengthening household food and livelihood security through the timely adoption of appropriate climate adaptation measures.
Appreciating the initiative, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, congratulated the KVK-Khordha team and stated that the timely implementation of El Niño contingency interventions exemplifies the critical role of science-led, climate-smart agriculture in safeguarding farmers' livelihoods. He noted that the adoption of climate-resilient technologies, coupled with the active participation of farmers and farmwomen, would strengthen agricultural resilience, promote sustainable farming and enhance food security. He further emphasized that such proactive, need-based interventions are essential for developing climate-resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding future climatic uncertainties.
The initiatives reflect the commitment of KVK-Khordha, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, to empowering farming communities through science-based, climate-resilient technologies, thereby enhancing agricultural sustainability and strengthening farmers' preparedness to address the challenges posed by El Niño and other extreme weather events.
(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
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