The Government of Odisha and ICRISAT jointly launched a ‘Compendium of Regenerative Agriculture’ at the International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods held in Bhubaneswar. The high-profile event witnessed the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, alongside prominent officials, including Dr Arabinda K Padhee (Principal Secretary, Agriculture), Mr Hemant Sharma (Principal Secretary, MSME and Energy), Dr Tara Satyavathi (Director, ICAR-IIMR), and Dr ML Jat (Research Program Director, Resilient Farm and Food Systems).
The compendium, developed through ICRISAT’s innovation project on carbon credits in collaboration with Odisha’s Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment, aligns with the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology. It is designed to support farmers, extension agencies, and policymakers in adopting sustainable practices that enhance soil health, conserve biodiversity, and build resilience to climate change.
The Compendium: A Resource for Future Farming
The compendium serves as a comprehensive guide for farmers, policymakers, and researchers, consolidating best practices in regenerative agriculture tailored to Odisha’s diverse agro-climatic zones. It offers solutions that emphasize soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation while reducing the environmental footprint of farming activities.
“This initiative aligns with our vision for sustainable growth in agriculture, ensuring food security while preserving natural resources,” said Odisha’s Agriculture Minister, who attended the launch.
Why Regenerative Agriculture and The Key Highlights and Strategies
Odisha, a state heavily dependent on agriculture, faces challenges like erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and depleting water resources. Regenerative agriculture, with its focus on restoring ecosystems, offers a viable solution. Practices like crop rotation, minimal tillage, agroforestry, and organic inputs not only increase productivity but also sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.
The publication outlines five guiding principles of regenerative agriculture
- Region-Specific Practices: The document outlines strategies for Odisha’s coastal plains, central tablelands, and highland regions, addressing unique challenges such as salinity and drought.
- Role of Millets: A central theme of the compendium is the promotion of climate-resilient crops like millets, which are integral to Odisha’s culture and diet. Millets require less water and chemical inputs, making them ideal for regenerative systems.
- Farmer-Centric Approach: Case studies of successful regenerative farming models in Odisha feature prominently, inspiring others to adopt these practices.
- Integration of Technology: The compendium advocates for the use of precision agriculture tools and digital platforms to monitor soil health and optimize resource use.
- Keeping living roots year-round: to enhance organic matter and integrate livestock for nutrient cycling and ecosystem restoration
Tailored specifically for Odisha, the compendium emphasizes key crops like millets, pulses, and oilseeds, reflecting the state’s agroecological diversity. It provides actionable strategies for farmers and policymakers, helping scale regenerative practices across the region.
Speaking at the event, Dr Arabinda K Padhee highlighted Odisha’s proactive role in adopting regenerative agriculture, “This compendium is a vital tool for transforming agriculture in Odisha. It equips stakeholders with science-based solutions to improve productivity, restore ecosystems, and build resilient farming systems.”
Unlocking Potential for Farmers
Beyond its ecological impact, regenerative agriculture can potentially increase farmers’ incomes. Healthier soils lead to higher yields, while diversified cropping systems reduce risks associated with market volatility. The adoption of organic and natural farming practices can also open avenues for premium pricing in niche markets.
ICRISAT’s Role and Recognitions
At the symposium, Dr ML Jat presented insights on ‘Research Priorities on Millets for Odisha,’ sparking meaningful engagement among attendees from global organizations like FAO, WFP, and CGIAR.
ICRISAT also celebrated a proud milestone when Rajput GPLF, a Self-Help Group from Koraput district, was recognized among the top three SHGs for its millet-based enterprises. The group, supported by ICRISAT, the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), and Mission Shakti, operates a millet processing unit providing nutritious meals to over 3,500 children since 2023.
The Way Forward
The launch of the compendium is just the beginning. The Government of Odisha and ICRISAT have pledged to roll out training programs and pilot projects across the state. Farmer field schools and demonstration plots will be established to ensure hands-on learning and adoption. As Odisha spearheads a shift toward sustainable agriculture, this compendium lays the foundation for a greener, more resilient future. The collaboration between ICRISAT, the government, and local communities demonstrates the transformative potential of regenerative practices for the environment, farmer livelihoods, and food security.
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As India grapples with the dual challenges of feeding a growing population and mitigating climate change, initiatives like this set a benchmark for other states. Odisha’s partnership with ICRISAT signals a hopeful stride towards an agriculture sector that thrives in harmony with nature. With over 400 participants attending the launch, the event has set the stage for scaling regenerative agriculture across the state, showcasing Odisha’s commitment to leading India’s agroecological transition.
