In a pioneering move toward sustainable agricultural practices, the Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), has launched the ‘Compendium of Regenerative Agriculture.’ The launch, held at the International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods in Bhubaneshwar, underscores Odisha’s commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape.
Key Principles of Regenerative Agriculture
The compendium focuses on five fundamental principles designed to promote sustainability and soil health in farming:
- Minimizing Soil Disturbance: Reducing tillage to preserve soil structure and microbiome.
- Maximizing Crop Diversity: Encouraging crop rotation and intercropping to enhance biodiversity.
- Maintaining Soil Cover: Using cover crops or mulching to protect soil from erosion and nutrient loss.
- Keeping Living Roots Year-Round: Ensuring continuous plant growth to support soil organisms.
- Integrating Livestock: Using livestock to contribute to nutrient cycling and land fertility.
These principles aim to foster a holistic approach to farming, ensuring long-term productivity and ecological balance.
A Resource for Sustainable Agriculture
Arabinda K. Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, highlighted the compendium’s importance as a roadmap for scaling regenerative agricultural practices. With a specific focus on millets, pulses, and oilseeds, the initiative seeks to improve soil health, enhance carbon sequestration, and bolster climate resilience.
The compendium is expected to empower farmers with knowledge and techniques to transition from conventional to regenerative farming, benefiting both the environment and livelihoods.
Insights from the International Symposium
The symposium, which drew over 400 participants, including international experts, served as a platform to discuss research priorities and strategies for promoting millets and other nutrient-dense crops in Odisha. Presentations emphasized the role of regenerative agriculture in addressing pressing global challenges like food security and climate change.
Collaborative Efforts
A delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Telangana engaged with ICRISAT to explore collaborative opportunities in agriculture and food processing. Discussions centered around mechanization and its potential to enhance efficiency and sustainability in farming.
M. Raghunandan Rao, Commissioner of Agriculture and Cooperation, underscored the importance of prioritizing smallholder farmers in these efforts. He stressed the need for systems that ensure sustainable incomes and resilience against production and marketing risks.
Krishna Ella, founder of Bharat Biotech, echoed this sentiment, advocating for a farmer-first approach. He highlighted the dual risks faced by farmers and emphasized that empowering them is the first step toward achieving sustainability in agriculture.
A Step Forward for Odisha’s Farmers
The launch of the compendium signifies a transformative step for agriculture in Odisha, particularly for smallholder farmers. It aligns with global efforts to adopt climate-smart practices and improve livelihoods, positioning Odisha as a leader in regenerative farming.
Key Takeaways:
- ICRISAT’s Role: ICRISAT is a global leader in improving crop production in semi-arid regions, focusing on millets, pulses, and oilseeds.
- Carbon Sequestration: Regenerative agriculture enhances carbon storage in soil, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Bhubaneshwar’s Significance: As a cultural and educational hub, Bhubaneshwar serves as a fitting venue for initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture.
This initiative marks a major step toward achieving a sustainable agricultural ecosystem in Odisha, balancing environmental conservation with the welfare of its farmers.