ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad Organises Awareness Initiative for Non-Paddy Crop Diversification through Seed Allocation under OADMP in Odisha

ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad successfully hosted a targeted awareness initiative combined with an official seed allocation drive under the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP) during 30 June to 4 July, 2026 and 9 to 10 July 2026. This field intervention addresses climate vulnerabilities in the drought-prone Raruan block of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.

It equips smallholder, marginal, and tribal farmers with both the technical knowledge and high-quality seed inputs required to successfully transition from paddy to water-efficient alternative crops in uplands.

The program focused on allocating drought-tolerant Pigeonpea, Groundnut, and Maize to safeguard farmer incomes during erratic monsoon cycles. Registered farmers under OADMP, received seed kits certified by the Odisha State Seeds Corporation Ltd., featuring high-value varieties tailored for rainfed ecosystems.

Dedicated Village Committees ensured completely transparent and equitable allocation of inputs to the target families. During the first week of July 2026, a total of 92.56 quintals of non-paddy crop seeds were allocated to 713 identified beneficiary farmers across 26 villages, covering a total land area of 464 acres to drive crop diversification.

In the specific crop breakdown, Arhar (variety LRG 52) accounted for 24.80 quintals, allocated to 449 farmers across 310 acres, Groundnut (variety Kadri Lepakshi) comprised 66.0 quintals, allocated to 246 farmers across 110 acres, and Maize (variety DHM 206) made up 1.76 quintals, allocated to 18 farmers across 44 acres.

To complement the distribution, ICAR-CRIDA scientists delivered critical technical guidance on seed priming, mechanical sowing, and contour-aligned line planting to minimize soil erosion and water runoff on sloping terrains. Selected early adopters using these certified seeds were encouraged to establish demonstration crops, effectively acting as open-air learning laboratories for adjacent farmers.

(Source: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)