Bhubaneswar, Sep 4 (Bureau) The Odisha government has set up a Climate Resilience Cell (CRC) on Wednesday to monitor the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) in building climate resilient agriculture in the state. The Odisha government has roped in International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and The Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) to work closely with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment (DAFE) department to support the CRC. Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo who inaugurated the CRC, said it will implement sustainable agricultural food systems, building capacity, and advocating for effective policies, GreenHouse Gases (GHGs) emission reduction and efficient irrigation techniques. It will also support institutional capacity building for sustaining climate smart practices in future, he added.
This event marks a key step towards enhancing the state’s efforts in building climate resilient agriculture in the state. The CRC has been constituted for implementation and monitoring of the state action plan on climate change (SAPCC). Singh Deo said the DAFE in collaboration with International institutional partners wishes to create a carbon sensitive policy framework for collaborative research, policy analytics, institutional capacity building and policy engagement and outreach in the backdrop of climate change in Odisha. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the critical need for adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices in the current scenario. To ensure sustainable production and food and nutrition security for all, it is imperative that we move towards climate-resilient practices, he said. DAFE Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, said, there is a unique opportunity for us to meet the larger carbon goals collectively while keeping farmers and citizens lives and livelihood protected.
This is a demanding task for which the government is fully committed, he said, adding that this center defines our collaboration and understanding of multipronged effort with policies, programs from all domains for meeting the sustainable food system goals. This initiative will be funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation without any financial implication to the State Government, Padhee said. Director for South Asia at IFPRI, Dr. Shahidur Rashid, expressed his commitment and enthusiasm for the partnership, stating “IFPRI is glad to support DAFE’s endeavors by bringing its globally recognized expertise in agriculture, climate, and natural resource resilience-related policy research. “We aim to help build capacities, introduce new innovations, and foster sustainable practices through our network of global centers of excellence, which we will engage with Odisha’s initiatives.”,he said. Official sources said the establishment of the Climate Resilience Cell marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s efforts to combat climate change’s impact on agriculture through adaptation and mitigation. By focusing on climate adaptations, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth, the CRC will enhance the resilience of Odisha’s agricultural systems, safeguard livelihoods, and contribute to the state’s economic development.