Harvest The Odisha Story To Ensure Food Security

Relevance: GS3- Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, - different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

(Source: The Hindu, 12/12/2023)

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Why in the news?

• This article discusses the Odisha model of food security which is based on equity and sustainability.
• From being a major importer of food grains, Odisha is now the fourth most significant contributor to the paddy pool of the Food Corporation of India.
• The Odisha Chief Minister cited Odisha’s commitment to achieving the ‘Zero Hunger’ goal at the United Nations World Food Programme headquarters.

Agricultural transformation in Odisha

• Over the last two decades, Odisha has transitioned from being an intensive importer of rice (pre-2000s) to producing record crop outputs (13.6 million tonnes in 2020).
• The average rice yield in Odisha has nearly tripled between 2000 (10.41 quintals per hectare) and 2020 (27.3 quintals per hectare).
• Kalahandi, which was earlier known as the land of hunger, has transformed into the rice bowl of the state.
• Consistent improvements in the agricultural sector in Odisha have made the state surplus in paddy production.
• Odisha is now the fourth most significant contributor to the paddy pool of the Food Corporation of India.
• In 2020-21, Odisha accounted for 9% of the total rice in India and 4.22% of the total food-grain production in India.
• Highlights:
• Majority of farmers are small or marginal farmers
• Increase in productivity despite stable crop area
• Odisha has focused on small and marginal farmers intending to improve their income.
• As a result of the enhanced income, resilient livelihoods have been created and food security improved in the region.
• The implementation of flagship schemes like KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) has helped increase the cultivation of non-paddy crops by raising awareness about scientific crop management practices.
• The Odisha Millet Mission has also contributed to improved climate resilience and crop productivity.
• Crop diversification has been accompanied by a reduction in the area under paddy cultivation.

Resilience and sustainability

• Odisha has developed a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan to address its vulnerability to climate change.
  • Odisha is particularly vulnerable to climate change on account of its geographical location and physical conditions.
• Concerns associated with climate change:
  • Disruption of presently used strategies
  • Exacerbate poverty
  • Loss of life and livelihoods
  • Destruction of assets and infrastructure
• The Climate Change Action Plan was developed by an expert team from multiple departments with input from civil society.
  • The activities identified in the plan are implemented by various departments and agencies and monitored by a committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
  • It covers various sectors such as agriculture, coastal zone protection, energy, fisheries and animal resources, forests, health, industries, mining, transport, and urban and water resources.
• Approach towards climate resilience: It has adopted a bottom-up approach towards climate resilience.
  • This approach assists the authorities in adopting necessary measures in adverse weather conditions like cyclones, floods, and droughts, which are frequent in the State.
  • The Crop Weather Watch Group conducts weekly meetings, oversees field visits by officers, and organizes video conferences to monitor the crop program.
  • Crop planning is done at the district level by officials of allied departments based on the agro-climatic zone.
• Climate resilient practices adopted by farmers:
  • Integrated farming
  • Zero-input-based natural farming
  • Adoption of non-paddy crops,
  • Improved water management and adoption of water-saving devices,
  • E-pest surveillance
  • Large-scale farm mechanization including the adoption of farm implements that are women-friendly.
• In addition to these climate-resilient techniques, farmers have been provided training in crop-specific techniques to boost food grain production such as integrated nutrient and pest management.

Social protection

• According to estimates, the frequency of occurrence of disasters could increase to 1.5 per day in 2024, i.e 560 disasters per year.
  • Unchecked climate change could drive hunger and malnutrition by 20% while food productivity is predicted to fall by 21% due to global warming,
• The Government of Odisha has partnered with the UN World Food Programme to develop innovative pilot schemes for improving food and nutrition security.
  • For example, the application of biometric technology in the Targeted Public Distribution System in the Rayagada district in 2007 and rice fortification in the Gajapati district.
  • The WFP and the government of Odisha collaborate on numerous food security, livelihood, and climate resilience initiatives.
• Odisha was ranked the top-performing state in the country on the State Ranking Index for the National Food Security Act in 2022.

Conclusion

• Odisha’s transition from foodgrain scarcity to surplus driven by sustained efforts in climate-proofing its agricultural system, crop diversification, protection of smallholders, and food and nutrition security for the vulnerable is a unique and emulatable developmental model amid the complexities presented by climate change.
• The spiraling global food crisis caused by the climate crisis, conflicts, and distress means the Odisha developmental model could be adopted to ensure food security and climate adaptation through equity and sustainability.

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FAQs

MCQs

Question: “System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practiced, results in

1. Reduced seed requirement
2. Reduced methane production
3. Reduced electricity consumption

Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC CSE 2023)

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Question: Consider the following states : (UPSC CSE 2019)

1. Chattisgarh
2. Madhya Pradesh
3. Maharashtra
4. Odisha

With reference to the states mentioned above, in terms of the percentage of forest cover to the total area of the State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?

(a) 2-3-1-4

(b) 2-3-4-1

(c) 3-2-4-1

(d) 3-2-1-4