Harvest the Odisha story to ensure food security

Odisha has undergone a remarkable agricultural transformation in the past two decades. From a state that imports rice to meet basic needs, it has become a significant food producer, boasting its highest-ever food grain production of 13.606 million tonnes in 2022. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering two key factors:

1. Predominance of Small and Marginal Farmers: A majority of Odisha's farmers are small and marginal, meaning they have limited landholdings. Yet, despite this challenge, the state has managed to achieve impressive results.
2. Increased Productivity without Area Expansion: Despite a stable crop area, Odisha has witnessed a significant increase in agricultural productivity. The average rice yield, the state's main crop, has tripled in the last two decades. In 2000-01, the yield was 10.41 quintals per hectare, but by 2020-21, it had soared to 27.30 quintals per hectare. This demonstrates how the state has maximized output without resorting to land expansion.

Key strategies contributing to this transformation

• Government programs and initiatives directly target small and marginal farmers, aiming to increase their income and empower them. This has directly improved their food security and created more resilient livelihoods.
• Implementing programs like Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) and disseminating scientific crop management practices through conventional and digital extension services has led to increased cultivation of non-paddy crops, while simultaneously improving paddy yields.
• Initiatives like the Odisha Millet Mission promote diversification of crops beyond rice, making agriculture more climate-resilient and providing farmers with additional income sources.

KALIA stands for Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation. It is a comprehensive package of financial assistance launched by the Government of Odisha in 2018 to support small and marginal farmers in the state.

Objectives of KALIA

• To provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers for purchasing agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other investments, thereby enhancing their income and productivity.
• To assist farmers in diversifying their livelihood sources by providing financial support for allied agricultural activities like goat rearing, poultry farming, fishery, mushroom cultivation, and beekeeping.
• To provide financial assistance to vulnerable agricultural households, particularly landless agricultural labourers, to help them cope with economic challenges and improve their quality of life.
• To offer life insurance coverage to farmers and landless agricultural labourers to provide financial security for their families.
• To facilitate access to low-cost credit for farmers by providing interest subvention on crop loans obtained from financial institutions.

Components of KALIA

• Small and marginal farmers with landholding up to 5 acres receive financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 per farming family over five seasons. This amount can be used to purchase agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other investments.
• Landless agricultural households receive Rs. 12,500 for undertaking allied agricultural activities like goat rearing, poultry farming, fishery, mushroom cultivation, and beekeeping. This assistance helps them diversify their income sources and improve their livelihood.
• Landless agricultural households with no cultivable land or livestock receive an annual assistance of Rs. 5,000 to improve their economic conditions. This assistance helps them meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life.
• Farmers and landless agricultural labourers aged 18-50 years are provided with life insurance coverage of Rs. 2 lakh under the KALIA scheme. This insurance offers financial security to their families in case of the farmer's death.
• The KALIA scheme provides interest subvention on crop loans obtained by farmers from financial institutions. This reduces the financial burden on farmers and encourages them to invest in their agricultural activities.

Impact of KALIA

• The KALIA scheme has significantly impacted the lives of farmers and landless agricultural labourers in Odisha.
• It has led to increased agricultural productivity, income augmentation, and improved livelihood opportunities.
• The scheme has also contributed to reducing poverty, hunger, and vulnerability among rural communities in the state.

Odisha's unique geographical location and physical conditions make it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This raises concerns about disruptions to current growth strategies and potential exacerbations of poverty due to loss of life, livelihoods, assets, and infrastructure. Recognizing these challenges, Odisha has proactively developed a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan to address them.

Key features of the Action Plan

• The plan encompasses various sectors critical to the state's development, including agriculture, coastal zone protection, energy, fisheries, forests, health, industries, mining, transportation, and urban development.
• The plan was formulated by a team of experts from diverse departments, incorporating valuable inputs from civil society.
• Different departments and agencies are responsible for carrying out the identified activities, with a committee led by the Chief Secretary overseeing the entire process.
• The plan prioritizes a bottom-up approach to building resilience. This includes:
  • Weekly meetings, field visits, and video conferences ensure close monitoring of the crop program and enable timely interventions during adverse weather events like cyclones, floods, and droughts.
  • Officials from various departments plan crops at the district level, considering the specific agro-climatic zones.
  • Farmers are encouraged to adopt practices like integrated farming, natural farming, non-paddy crop cultivation, water-saving techniques, e-pest surveillance, and mechanization with women-friendly implements to enhance resilience.
  • Farmers receive training in crop-specific techniques like integrated nutrient and pest management, leading to increased food grain production. 

Odisha's agricultural sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, transitioning from a state facing food grain scarcity to a surplus producer. Today, it stands as the fourth largest contributor to the paddy pool of the Food Corporation of India, playing a significant role in India's overall food security.

Key Achievements

• Odisha now produces 9% of India's total rice and accounts for 4.22% of the country's food-grain production, ensuring a consistent surplus.
• In the State Ranking Index for the National Food Security Act, Odisha emerged as the top performer, demonstrating its commitment to food security for its citizens.
• The partnership between the World Food Programme (WFP) and Odisha has led to innovative pilot projects, such as biometric technology for targeted food distribution and rice fortification, improving access to nutritious food for vulnerable communities.

Key Strategies

• Odisha has prioritized climate-resilient practices, including crop diversification and water management, to ensure food security even amidst climate change challenges.
• Government initiatives focus on protecting the interests of small and marginal farmers, providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive.
• Odisha has implemented successful programs to improve access to nutritious food, addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups.

5. Conclusion

Odisha's remarkable transformation demonstrates the power of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to social welfare. By prioritizing food security, investing in sustainable practices, and empowering small farmers, the state has created a model for addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring food security for all.