In a significant step towards sustainable agricultural research, the ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA), Institute on Management of Agricultural Extension (IMAGE), and the Directorate of Soil Conservation & Watershed Development (SC&WD), Government of Odisha have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on March 19, 2025 to conduct a study on the Impact of Conservation Agriculture Production Systems (CAPS) on Soil Fertility, Productivity, and Economics in the Similipal Biosphere under the Green-Ag Project, Odisha. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior officials and representatives from these three collaborating institutions. The initiative aims to provide critical insights into sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health and agricultural productivity while ensuring economic benefits for farmers in the Similipal Biosphere.
The study, commissioned by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, will be implemented through a structured research approach. IMAGE, as the operational partner, will facilitate project coordination, while ICAR-CIWA will provide technical expertise in conducting the study. The Directorate of Soil Conservation & Watershed Development will oversee the implementation and ensure alignment with the broader objectives of the Green-Ag Project.
Dr. Mridula Devi, Director of ICAR-CIWA, expressed her optimism about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership is a crucial step toward strengthening collaboration of ICAR-CIWA with line departments of Government of Odisha, to carry forward the research on conservation agriculture and to contribute significantly to sustainable farming practices in Odisha.”
The research findings from this study are expected to provide valuable policy recommendations for promoting conservation agriculture in the Similipal Biosphere and beyond. With this agreement in place, the collaborative efforts of ICAR-CIWA, IMAGE, and the Directorate of Soil Conservation & Watershed Development will drive innovative solutions for agricultural sustainability, benefitting both farming community and the environment in Odisha.
