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Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry
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AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FORESTRY
A detailed black and white line drawing of a lush garden or farm scene. On the left, three tomato plants are shown with many round tomatoes hanging from them. In the center, there are several corn plants with tall stalks and large leaves, some with ears of corn visible. To the right, a large, ribbed pumpkin sits on the ground. In the foreground, there are several carrots with their leafy tops, some leafy vegetables, and a large shovel lying on the ground. A watering can with a handle and a spout is on the left, and a rake is on the right. The entire scene is set in a garden bed with various plants and tools.
CHAPTER 3
Abstract
Agriculture and allied activities continue to be the core of Odisha’s economy, supporting nearly half of the State’s workforce and contribute around one-fifth to GSVA. The State has made steady progress in diversifying its agriculture to high value crops, supported by improved irrigation, CRFM, and several other initiatives promoting millet, maize, cotton and horticulture crops. Cropping intensity has improved significantly in recent times. Allied sectors, particularly livestock, dairy, and fisheries, are emerging as critical growth engines. Government initiatives such as Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana, and widespread artificial insemination programs have strengthened dairy and meat production, although per-capita availability remains below national averages. Sustained improvement will depend on raising productivity through better livestock management, expanding access to quality feed and veterinary services. The poultry and egg sectors have grown rapidly, supported by promotion of commercial and small-scale poultry units.
Agriculture and allied sector exports have grown steadily over the past five years, but the export basket remains heavily concentrated in marine products and rice, which together account for 99 per cent of total agricultural exports. Odisha possesses a clear competitive advantage in commodities such as mango, cashew, spices, potato, turmeric, and coffee, yet these items contribute only marginally to export earnings. Expanding their share will require addressing supply-chain gaps, strengthening processing and logistics, and supporting farmers with improved market access, quality standards, and export-oriented training.
To ensure inclusive and long term growth across the agriculture sector, Odisha will need to accelerate crop diversification, modernize agricultural marketing, expand mechanization, and encourage agripreneurship. Strengthening allied sectors such as livestock and fisheries, combined with widespread adoption of climate smart practices, will be crucial for building a resilient, competitive, and sustainable agricultural economy capable of improving farmer incomes and supporting future development.
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.1.1 Agriculture and allied sector remains significant contributor to Odisha’s employment and output. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, the sector engaged close to 1.04 crore workers accounting for a share of 48.6 per cent in Odisha’s total workforce in 2024. It contributes 19.6 per cent to the State Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in 2025-26, compared to 16.8 per cent at the national level. Strong growth in agriculture is essential for driving inclusive growth and food security. With its extensive forward and backward linkages, agriculture and allied sectors also significantly contribute to the development of various other sectors in the economy.
3.1.2 Odisha is bestowed with 10 agroclimatic zones enabling the cultivation of wide variety of food grains and horticultural crops. Though Paddy is the dominant crop in the State, dedicated efforts are being undertaken to increase acreage of crops such as ragi, maize, fruits and vegetables. The State is also promoting the adoption of comprehensive rice fallow management to increase the number of cropping cycles.
3.1.3 Horticulture-based farming systems have also gained significant momentum in Odisha. They are high value crops and play a vital role in increasing farmers’ income. Government of Odisha through various targeted missions including Jackfruit Mission, Floriculture Mission, Mushroom Mission and Spices Mission among others is encouraging the production of various horticultural crops. The State brought 7.9 lakh hectares under vegetable cultivation, 3.75 lakh hectares under fruits and 2.3 lakh hectares under spices cultivation in 2024-25. This marks an area increase of 15.3 per cent, 8.5 per cent, and 33.2 per cent, respectively from 2020-21, reflecting a steady transition towards diversified and market-oriented agriculture.
3.1.4 Government of Odisha is actively promoting the adoption of various regenerative practices such as Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management, Integrated Farming and Integrated Nutrient Management. Through targeted programs, farmer training, and policy support, the State is working towards mainstreaming these sustainable methods to create resilient agricultural systems that sustain productivity, conserve natural resources, and contribute to climate change mitigation. The State is also undertaking various efforts to promote the diverse landraces and traditional crop varieties.
3.1.5 Recognizing the need to reduce dependence on erratic monsoons, Odisha has invested significantly in irrigation infrastructure. During the year 2024-25, key irrigation projects such as Ghatkeswar Dam, Kusumi and Sandul Barrages, two megalift irrigation projects in Malkangiri and construction of 367 new check dams have been completed. State’s irrigation potential including both Kharif and Rabi crop seasons has reached 74.2 lakh ha. With this irrigation potential, close to 80 per cent of the State’s Gross Cropped Area (GCA) can be irrigated.
3.1.6 Odisha is undertaking efforts to improve the storage infrastructure to enhance market access and reduce post-harvest losses. The State plans to establish at least one cold storage facility in each of the 58 sub-divisions, 38 model mandis, 128 godowns with 250 MT capacity each at Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS), Large-sized Adivasi Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Society (LAMPCS) level and 28 integrated pack houses. These comprehensive investments in storage infrastructure are expected to significantly improve the supply chain efficiency and empower farmers with better market linkages. The formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) has been a crucial step in improving market access by enhancing collective bargaining power and achieving economies of scale. Odisha is among the top 10 states in the country, with 1781 registered FPOs as of March 2025 representing approximately 0.9 million producer farmers. The Government launched the “Support to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)” scheme for 2023-24 to 2027-28. For this, INR 313.61 crore has been allocated to strengthen over 1,000 FPOs and benefit at least 3 lakh farmers.
3.1.7 Livestock sector plays a pivotal role in supplementing farmers’ incomes, supporting rural livelihoods and promoting nutritional security. Odisha launched an umbrella initiative, Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana (MKY) in 2024, with a budget of INR 1,423.47 crores for five years from 2024-25 to 2028-29 to increase milk production. The programme seeks to benefit over 15 lakh farmers by expanding dairy units, enhancing animal health and feed management, and developing value chains to boost milk production.
3.1.8 Through these coordinated and targeted efforts, Odisha is steadily transforming its agriculture sector into a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable engine of economic growth. This chapter examines the current state of the sector, reviews government initiatives, and identifies opportunities for future development.
3.2 AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTOR OUTPUT
A. Growth of Agriculture and Allied Sector
3.2.1 Agriculture and Allied Sector GVA of Odisha is expected to grow at 5.3 per cent as per the advance estimates in 2025-26, higher than the all-India growth rate of 3.1 per cent. The crops sub-sector has shown resilience despite the adverse impacts of unseasonal rains and cyclone during the year. It is estimated to grow at 5.1 per cent in 2025-26. The fishing and aquaculture and forestry and logging sub-sectors are also expected to register robust growth rates of 6.8 per cent and 5.1 per cent respectively, indicating their growing role in driving the sector’s expansion. Livestock sub-sector is estimated to grow at 4.7 per cent as per 2025-26 (AE).
An orange icon depicting a bar chart with three bars of increasing height. A thick orange arrow points diagonally upwards from the bottom left to the top right, superimposed on the bars, symbolizing growth and progress.
3.2.2 In the last decade, i.e., between 2015-16 and 2025-26, the agriculture and allied sector in Odisha grew at a CAGR of 6.5 per cent, outpacing the national average of 4.7 per cent. The fishing and aquaculture sub sector led this growth with a remarkable CAGR of 10.1 per cent, followed by livestock at 6.6 per cent. On the other hand, the crop sector grew at an average rate of 6.2 per cent during this period (Table 3.1). The rising importance of allied sectors strengthens Odisha’s overall agricultural economy, enhancing its ability to manage future uncertainties and contribute positively to the state’s development.
Table 3.1: Growth of Agricultural and Allied Sector at Constant Prices, in per cent
| Year | Odisha | India | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crops | Livestock | Forestry and logging | Fishing and aquaculture | Agriculture and Allied Sector | Agriculture and Allied Sector | |
| 2024-25 | 3.0 | 7.7 | 3.4 | 6.0 | 4.1 | 4.6 |
| 2025-26 (AE) | 5.1 | 4.7 | 5.1 | 6.8 | 5.3 | 3.1 |
| CAGR (2015-16 and 2025-26) | 6.2 | 6.6 | 5.0 | 10.1 | 6.5 | 4.7 |
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Odisha, National Account Statistics, MoSPI
B. Contribution to Gross Value Added
3.2.3 Agriculture and allied sector contribute a share of 19.6 per cent to Odisha’s total GVA in 2025-26 as per the advance estimates. This was around 16.8 per cent at the all-India level. In the last decade, the average contribution of the sector was around 20 per cent in Odisha, higher than all-India share of 18 per cent (Figure 3.1).
3.2.4 The crops sector remains the dominant sub-sector of Odisha’s Agriculture and Allied GVA in 2025-26, accounting for over 61.5 per cent of the total (Figure 3.1). This is followed by Livestock (13.7 per cent), Forestry and logging (13.4 per cent), and Fishing and aquaculture (11.3 per cent). The share of livestock sector and fisheries sectors is low in Odisha as compared with the all-India average and other States with high agricultural growth rates. Enhancing their share is essential to foster diversification and boost agricultural growth in the State.
Figure 3.1: Contribution and Composition of Agriculture and Allied Sector, in per cent
Average share of Agriculture and Allied GVA in total GVA (2015-16 to 2025-26)
| State | Average share (%) |
|---|---|
| Odisha | 20.7 |
| India | 18.2 |
Composition of Agriculture and Allied Sector in Odisha, 2025-26 (AE)
| Sub-sector | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Crops | 61.5 |
| Livestock | 13.7 |
| Forestry and logging | 13.4 |
| Fishing and aquaculture | 11.3 |
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Odisha; National Account Statistics, MoSPI
3.3 LAND USE AND CROPPING PATTERN
A. Land Use Dynamics
3.3.1 Odisha has a Net Sown Area (NSA) of 56.3 lakh ha constituting a share of about 36.2 per cent of the State’s total geographical area in 2024-25. The net-sown area has increased by 4 per cent from 54.1 lakh hectares in 2020-21 (Figure 3.2). The State has also witnessed significant expansion of the Gross Cropped Area to 92.8 lakh ha in 2024-25 from 85.3 lakh hectares in 2020-21. Consequently, the Cropping Intensity in the State has also improved over time. It stood at 165 per cent in 2024-25, increasing from 158 per cent in 2020-21 (Figure 3.2). Under Vision 2036 & 2047, the State aims to increase the cropping intensity to 220 per cent by 2036 and 250 per cent by 2047 by improving irrigation coverage to 90 per cent and promoting multi-cropping.
3.3.2 The expansion of gross cropped area and increased cropping intensity were largely driven by the improved irrigation infrastructure, adoption of Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management (CRFM) and implementation of targeted initiatives such as Shree Anna Abhiyan for millets, Mukhyamantri Maka Mission for maize and Revival and Sustainable Intensification of Forgotten Food or Neglected Crops among others.
Figure 3.2: Contribution and Composition of Agriculture and Allied Sector, in per cent
| Category | 2020-21 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Sown Area (lakh hectares) | 54.1 | 56.3 | |
| Gross Cropped Area (lakh hectares) | 85.3 | 92.8 | |
| Cropping Intensity (per cent) | 158 | 160 | 165 |
Source: Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Government of Odisha
B. Cropping Pattern
3.3.3 Odisha’s cropping pattern has been dominated by paddy for a long time. The state is gradually diversifying into high-value and climate-resilient crops. The area under paddy cultivation in 2024-25 stood at 41.24 lakh hectares in 2024-25. The share of paddy in GCA has dropped from 47 per cent in 2020-21 to 44 per cent in 2024-25 (Table 3.2). The State was successful in diverting 1.82 lakh hectares of paddy land across 23 districts to non-paddy crops like pulses, oilseeds, cotton, maize, millets, vegetables, and spices in 2024-25. This shift helps in improving soil health, enhancing farmers’ incomes and promoting sustainable agriculture.
3.3.4 Pulses including mung, gram, urad, arhar and lentil among others are climate resilient and protein rich crops. They are becoming an increasingly important part of the State’s cropping pattern. These crops together accounted for a share of 23 per cent of GCA in 2024-25. Their area increased by 10.7 per cent, from 19 lakh hectares in 2020-21 to 21 lakh hectares in 2024-25 (Table 3.2). Area under Millets also increased significantly by 62.7 per cent to 2.7 lakh hectares during the same period. This growth was supported by Shree Anna Abhiyan which focuses on revitalizing millet cultivation among small and marginal farmers, especially in rainfed regions. These efforts not only support agricultural diversification but also contribute to improved nutrition and sustainable farming practices in the State.
3.3.5 Cotton acreage grew by 39.3 per cent in the last five years, reaching an all-time high of 2.39 lakh hectares in 2024-25. Provision of price support and government procurement have been instrumental in achieving this progress. Along with this, programs like the Technology Mission, Intensive Agriculture Programme, and National Food Security Mission (NFSM) are being implemented to support cotton farmers. This is expected to encourage more farmers to take up cotton cultivation in future.
3.3.6 Horticulture-based farming systems have also gained significant momentum in Odisha. They are high value crops and play a vital role in doubling farmers’ income. The State has brought 7.91 lakh hectares under vegetable cultivation, 3.75 lakh hectares under fruits and 2.27 lakh hectares under spices cultivation in 2024-25. This marks an area increase of 15.3 per cent, 8.5 per cent, and 33.2 per cent, respectively from 2020-21 (Table 3.2), reflecting a steady transition toward diversified and market-oriented agriculture. This expansion is critical for increasing farm incomes and meeting growing consumer demand for high-value horticultural produce.
Table 3.2: Growth of Agricultural and Allied Sector at Constant Prices, in per cent
| Crops | Area (in lakh hectares) | Share in GCA (%) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 2024-25 | Percent change | 2020-21 | 2024-25 | |
| Paddy | 40.29 | 41.24 | 2.3 | 47.2 | 44.4 |
| Pulses | 19.03 | 21.07 | 10.7 | 22.3 | 22.7 |
| Maize | 2.60 | 3.02 | 15.8 | 3.1 | 3.3 |
| Millets | 1.66 | 2.71 | 62.7 | 2.0 | 2.9 |
| Cotton | 1.71 | 2.39 | 39.3 | 2.0 | 2.6 |
| Potato | 0.25 | 0.41 | 64.2 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| Vegetables | 6.86 | 7.91 | 15.3 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Fruits | 3.46 | 3.75 | 8.5 | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Spices | 1.70 | 2.27 | 33.2 | 2.0 | 2.4 |
Source: Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Government of Odisha
A group of approximately ten women are standing in a row in a vast, green field. They are all wearing sarees of various colors, including pink, orange, yellow, and blue. Many of them are holding small green plants or seedlings in their hands. The field appears to be a crop field, with dense green foliage. In the background, there are several trees and a clear blue sky. The lighting suggests it’s daytime, and the overall atmosphere is one of a group of farmers or agricultural workers.
3.4 CROP AND HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION
A. Foodgrain production
3.4.1 Odisha has emerged as a foodgrain surplus state and achieved a record food grain production of 150 lakh MT in 2024-25. This is a notable achievement despite the setbacks of natural calamities like cyclone and unseasonal rains in 2024. Between 2020-21 and 2024-25, the State’s food grain production grew at a compound annual growth rate of 3.6 per cent (Figure 3.3).
3.4.2 Odisha is among the major rice producing states, accounting for about 6 per cent of the country’s rice production. In 2024-25, rice production in Odisha stood at 118.6 lakh MT growing at a CAGR of 1.9 per cent from 110 lakh MT in 2020-21. The increase in rice production was supported by the spread of scientific practices and the transfer of technology. Programmes such as the CM-Kisan cash transfers, provision of quality inputs, and the Samrudha Krushak initiative also played a pivotal role in increasing rice production.
3.4.3 The State also showcased significant improvement in maize production in 2024-25. Maize production in Odisha stood at 11.7 lakh MT in 2024-25, increasing at a CAGR of 9 per cent since 2020-21 (Figure 3.3). This growth was largely supported by the State’s flagship initiative Mukhyamantri Maka Mission. The objective of the mission is to expand area under maize cultivation and promote cluster-based production.
3.4.4 The production of coarse cereals also grew significantly at a high CAGR of 21.3 per cent between 2020-21 and 2024-25. This improvement can primarily be attributed to the increased expansion of area under millet cultivation driven by targeted initiatives such as Shree Anna Abhiyan. Along with this, the pulses production also increased from 10.4 lakh MT in 2020-21 to 16.6 lakh MT in 2024-25 at 12.3 per cent CAGR, reflecting diversification and productivity gains.
Figure 3.3: Food grain production in Odisha
| Year | Rice (Lakh MT) | Pulses (Lakh MT) | Maize (Lakh MT) | Coarse Cereals (Lakh MT) | Total Food Grains (Lakh MT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 110.0 | 10.4 | 8.3 | 1.6 | 130.4 |
| 2022-23 | 119.3 | 10.7 | 8.6 | 2.7 | 141.4 |
| 2023-24 | 115.4 | 13.1 | 11.3 | 3.2 | 143.0 |
| 2024-25 | 118.6 | 16.6 | 11.7 | 3.5 | 150.5 |
Source: Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Government of Odisha
B. Horticulture production
3.4.5 Horticulture based farming systems have gained prominence for augmenting farmer incomes. Government of Odisha through several targeted missions including Jackfruit Mission, Floriculture Mission, Mushroom Mission and Spices Mission etc is encouraging the production of various horticultural crops. Along with this, dedicated state plan schemes like Support for FPOs, Promotion of Entrepreneurship for Women SHG in Horticulture and Support for Post-Harvest Management and Marketing in Horticulture are also being implemented.
3.4.6 Vegetable production in Odisha reached 111.02 lakh MT in 2024-25 from 97.5 lakh MT in 2020-21. Key vegetables being grown in the State in terms of their contribution to total vegetable production include- Brinjal (19.9 per cent), Tomato (13.6 per cent), Cabbage (11.9 per cent), Cauliflower (6.7 per cent), Okra (6.2 per cent), Pumpkin (5.7 per cent), Potato (4.4 per cent), Onion (4.0 per cent), and Sweet Potato (3.0 per cent). These vegetables put together account for a share of 75 per cent in total vegetable production in 2024-25 (Figure 3.4).
3.4.7 Odisha’s fruit production increased from 25.3 lakh MT in 2020-21 to 27.2 lakh MT in 2024-25, supported by multiple government initiatives. Additionally, 28,000 hectares of fruit tree plantations was taken up under various schemes like MIDH, MGNREGS, and Non-Mission District Programme. Major fruits grown in Odisha include mango, banana, jackfruit, lemon, and guava. Mangoes lead fruit production, accounting for 34.3 percent of the State’s total fruit production followed by banana (19.2 per cent) jackfruit (11.8 per cent), lemon (10.8 per cent) and guava (4.9 per cent). During 2024-25, 119.2 MT of mangoes produced in the State were exported to 10 countries, indicating a growing global demand.
3.4.8 Government of Odisha is promoting the cultivation of exotic fruits such as dragon fruit, avocado, strawberry, passion fruit, and apple-ber, which have strong market demand and
are rich in nutrients. An area expansion programme covering over 180 hectares has been implemented for these crops during 2024-25. Additionally, the Government is supporting strawberry cultivation on 40 hectares in Kotia, Koraput district, which is being developed as the State’s strawberry hub.
3.4.9 Floriculture sector has been recognised as a “sunrise sector” with great export potential. Government of Odisha has launched the Floriculture Mission to make Odisha self-sufficient in loose flower production, improve infrastructure, quality and promote modern practices. As a result, the State’s floriculture sector experienced significant growth in both area expansion and production over the last few years. The area under cultivation has reached 10.0 thousand hectares in 2024-25 growing at a CAGR of 15.6 per cent from 5.6 thousand hectares in 2020-21 (Figure 3.4). During the same period, loose flower production also grew by 18.6 per cent from 31.6 thousand MT in 2020-21 to 62.4 thousand MT in 2025-26. Marigold (60.9 thousand MT) recorded the highest production among loose flowers in 2024-25. Along with this, 4630.4 lakh cut flowers were also produced in 2024-25.
Figure 3.4: Horticulture production in Odisha
| Crop Type | 2020-21 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables (in lakh MT) | 97.5 | 111 |
| Fruits (in lakh MT) | 25.3 | 27.1 |
| Flowers (in ‘000 MT) | 31.6 | 62.4 |
Source: Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Odisha
Box 3.1 : Odisha- Potential Future Hub of India’s Edible Oil Industry
Increasing urbanization and rising per capita incomes are expected to increase the demand for edible oils. India faces a substantial gap between the domestic demand and supply of edible oil. Based on projections by NITI Aayog in its report, titled, “Pathways and Strategy for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oil towards Goal of Atmanirbharbharat”, under the static approach, this gap is expected to reach 141 lakh tonnes in 2030. Odisha can play a pivotal role in narrowing India’s edible oil demand-supply gap by enhancing oilseed production, improving yields, and leveraging secondary oilseed resources.
Odisha has the potential to become a major hub for oilseed and edible oil production in India. With 10 diverse agro-climatic zones, the state offers favorable conditions for cultivating a variety of oilseeds, including secondary oilseed crops. Its strategic location in eastern India, featuring a long coastline, enhances trade opportunities and connectivity with East Asia, the Pacific, and neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. Coupled with strong economic growth, business-friendly policies, a large workforce, and pro industrial incentives, Odisha is well-positioned to play a key role in India’s edible oil industry.
As of 2024-25, Odisha has an oilseed cultivation area of 5.6 lakh hectares, producing 6.2 lakh tonnes of oilseeds. Groundnut is the dominant crop, accounting for 67 per cent of the total oilseed production, followed by mustard (12 per cent) and sesame (10 per cent). While the state’s overall oilseed productivity is lower than the national average, yields for groundnut and sunflowers are at par or exceed the national levels, indicating strong potential for growth in the sector. With limited scope for expansion in traditional oilseed-producing states, there is a pressing need to diversify cultivation to non-traditional regions. Odisha, presents a significant opportunity due to favorable agro-climatic conditions and focused government support.
Table 3.3: Area, Production and Yield of key oilseeds in Odisha, 2024-25
| Oilseeds | Area (‘000 Ha) | Production (000’MT) | Yield Rate (Qtl./Hect.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groundnut | 195.3 | 418.3 | 21.4 |
| Sesamum | 152.4 | 64.6 | 4.2 |
| Rape seed and mustard | 128.8 | 76.1 | 5.9 |
| Caster seeds | 6.1 | 4.5 | 7.3 |
| Other oilseeds | 79.1 | 56.8 | 7.2 |
| Total Oilseeds | 561.8 | 620.2 | 11.0 |
Source: Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Government of Odisha
The State also has significant potential to tap into secondary sources of vegetable oil such as oil palm, rice bran, and cottonseed, which align well with the state’s cropping patterns. In 2024-25, the state produced 118.6 lakh tonnes of paddy, 8.2 lakh tonnes of cotton, and 40,250 tonnes of oil palm, highlighting opportunities to utilize these by-products to meet growing vegetable oil demand. To further this, Odisha has launched several initiatives promoting crop diversification and encouraging cultivation of oilseeds in rice fallow areas.
The state has also prioritized agro-industrial development by establishing Mega Food Parks and Agro-Processing Clusters equipped with ready-to-use, plug-and-play infrastructure. These facilities lower entry barriers for processors, accelerate time-to-market, and foster cluster-based growth that enhances logistics and supply chain efficiency. Research and extension institutions like Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), ICAR institutes, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) play a critical role in improving farmer productivity, promoting best practices, and facilitating technology transfer, positioning Odisha as a hub for oilseed innovation.
A wide-angle photograph of a sunflower field. The sunflowers are in full bloom, their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers clearly visible. They are densely packed and stretch far into the background, creating a sense of depth. The green leaves of the plants are visible in the foreground and between the flowers. The sky above is a pale, clear blue, suggesting a bright, sunny day.
Geographically, Odisha’s location along the eastern economic corridor offers strategic proximity to major consumption centers such as Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam, reducing logistics costs and transit times for edible oil producers. The presence of multiple ports, including Paradip, supports both the import of crude edible oils for refining and the export of value-added products. Odisha’s cost-effective and underutilized processing capacity, along with growing local demand, makes it an attractive destination for both domestic processors and export-oriented units.
3.5 INPUT MANAGEMENT
A. Seed Supply
3.5.1 Quality seed is a critical agricultural input for successful crop production, directly impacting germination, plant health, and yield. Using high-quality seeds ensures consistency, vigor, and better resistance to environmental stress and diseases. Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) of various crops in Odisha has improved over time (Table 3.4). SRR represents the proportion of a crop’s sown area planted with certified or quality seeds rather than saved seeds from previous harvests. Therefore, a higher SRR usually indicates a higher adoption of improved varieties that are more productive and climate resilient. As of 2024-25, only Bengalgram and maize have SRRs exceeding 50 per cent in Odisha. This highlights the need for implementation of focused initiatives to boost SRR in paddy, oilseeds, and other key crops.
Table 3.4: Seed Replacement Rate in Odisha
| Crops | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Bengalgram | 34.53 | 85.18 |
| Maize | 59.25 | 56.68 |
| Field pea | 22.69 | 37.73 |
| Mustard & Rapeseed | 22.47 | 33.33 |
| Paddy | 27.65 | 28.31 |
| Moong | 17.04 | 24.65 |
| Biri | 11.73 | 19.44 |
| Sesame | 5.18 | 18.74 |
| Ragi | 17.02 | 18.02 |
| Groundnut | 6.56 | 9.36 |
| Arhar | 6.54 | 8.91 |
| Niger | 2.49 | 3.26 |
Source: Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Government of Odisha
3.5.2 Government of Odisha have established dedicated institutions and launched flagship initiatives to increase the supply of quality seeds to farmers. Odisha State Seeds Corporation Ltd. (OSSC) is the nodal agency responsible for production, procurement, processing and supply of quality seeds to farmers in Odisha. ‘Seed Village Programme,’ known as ‘Mo Bihana Yojana,’ is being implemented to promote the production of certified paddy and non-paddy seeds through registered seed growers. As of 2024-25, there are a total of 261 seed processing plants in Odisha operating with a combined processing capacity of 789 tonnes per hour (TPH). During 2024-25, the State produced about 2.68 lakh quintals certified seeds, including 1.83 lakh of paddy and 0.85 lakh quintals of non-paddy seeds.
B. Farm Mechanisation
3.5.3 Farm mechanization is important for increasing agricultural productivity, reducing labor drudgery, and ensuring efficient use of resources. It also helps mitigate labour shortages and enhances the overall sustainability of farming operations1. Government of Odisha has been encouraging farmers to adopt farm machinery by offering subsidies. Financial assistance ranging from 40-50 per cent for general farmers and 50-60 per cent for SC/ST and women farmers. Additionally, a subsidy of 75 per cent is being offered to Women Self-Help Groups (WSHG) in the State to purchase and rent various farm equipment. Furthermore, the State has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to test, certify, and improve agricultural implements and machinery focusing on women-centric ergonomic parameters and occupational hazards2. Apart from this, Regional melas at various levels are also being organized to create awareness about various farm mechanization programmes in the State.
| Implement Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tractor | 7827 |
| Power Tiller | 11755 |
| Rotavator | 7169 |
| Harvester | 309 |
| Total Machinery | 79100 |
| Total Farmers | 74605 |
| Total Subsidy | ₹462.2 Cr |
Source: Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Government of Odisha
3.5.4 A subsidy of INR 462.2 crores was released during the year 2024-25 for purchasing farm implements. During same year, 79100 farm machines have been supplied to 74605 farmers. The farm machines included 11755 power tillers, 7827 tractors, 7169 rotavators and 309 harvesters (Figure 3.5).
1 Jena, P. R., & Tanti, P. C. (2023). Effect of farm machinery adoption on household income and food security: evidence from a nationwide household survey in India. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7, 922038.
2 Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) for Women-Centric Ergonomic Testing of Agricultural Machinery (2025), Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha.
C. Irrigation
3.5.5 Irrigation is a key agricultural input that ensures a reliable water supply, enabling consistent crop growth and higher yields. It reduces dependence on unpredictable rainfall and supports multiple cropping, thereby enhancing farm productivity and income. Government of Odisha is committed to strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving access to dependable water resources for farmers. During the year 2024-25, key irrigation projects such as Ghatkeswar Dam, Kusumi and Sandul Barrages, two megallift irrigation projects in Malkangiri and construction of 367 new check dams have been completed.
Under Jaladhra, A total 2650 numbers of farm ponds will be taken up during 2024-25 to 2026-27 covering six districts.
3.5.6 The Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) in Odisha has been on a rising trend over the past few years. Between 2020-21 and 2024-25, the State’s irrigation potential including both Kharif and Rabi crop seasons has increased from 64.4 lakh ha to 74.2 lakh ha (Figure 3.6). During the same period, the irrigation potential created during Kharif and Rabi crop seasons expanded by 7 lakh ha and 2.8 lakh ha respectively. With this irrigation potential, close to 80 per cent of the State’s Gross Cropped Area can be irrigated. But only 62.5 per cent of irrigation potential created is being utilized necessitating targeted efforts for improvement.
Figure 3.6: Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) during Kharif and Rabi seasons in Odisha
| Year | Kharif (lakh ha) | Rabi (lakh ha) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 44.4 | 20.0 |
| 2021-22 | 46.3 | 20.6 |
| 2022-23 | 48.0 | 21.3 |
| 2023-24 | 49.9 | 22.2 |
| 2024-25 | 51.3 | 22.8 |
Source: Department of Water Resources, Government of Odisha
3.5.7 Among the various sources of irrigation in 2024-25, minor lift irrigation which involves using pumps to draw water accounted for the largest share. It constituted a share of 34 per cent of the total irrigation potential created (IPC). Major and medium irrigation projects, such as dams and canal systems, together contributed 32 percent. Minor flow irrigation, dependent on natural water flow without mechanical assistance, made up 12 percent of the irrigation potential. Mega lift irrigation projects added 4 percent, while the remaining 18 percent came from other sources. The significant share of minor lift irrigation can be attributed to its ease of operation and
relatively low cost. Additionally, minor lift irrigation plays a crucial role during the Rabi season, helping farmers irrigate their crops efficiently when water availability in rivers and dams fluctuates.
3.5.8 Micro-irrigation is a modern and efficient method of supplying water directly to the roots of plants through drippers, sprinklers, and foggers. Odisha is steadily expanding its micro-irrigation coverage under the centrally sponsored scheme ‘Per Drop More Crop,’ which is part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). In 2024-25, approximately 23,207.14 hectares across the State were brought under micro-irrigation. The State has set a long-term target to increase micro-irrigation coverage from the current 2 percent to 25 percent by 2047.
Box 3.2: Efficient Water Conservation and Management in Odisha
Water conservation is vital for sustaining agricultural production and ensuring water availability for various uses in Odisha. Recognizing this, the State Government has implemented several key initiatives to strengthen water conservation and enhance irrigation infrastructure.
A flagship initiative, the CHHATA scheme (Community Harnessing and Harvesting Rainwater Artificially from Terrace to Aquifer), promotes rooftop rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. During 2024-25, this scheme saw the installation of rooftop harvesting systems in 466 government buildings and 8,255 private buildings, significantly augmenting urban water conservation. Complementing this effort, the ARUA scheme (Artificial Recharge to Underground Aquifer) facilitated the creation of 528 recharge shafts, further improving groundwater replenishment across the State.
In rural and water-deficit areas, Odisha has focused on building and rehabilitating surface water storage through check dams and in-stream storage structures under the Mukhyamantri Adibandha Tiari Yojana (MATY). To expand irrigation access, initiatives such as the installation of 2,375 Cluster Shallow Tube Wells (STWs) and 1,992 solar pump sets in 2024-25 facilitated irrigation coverage over 12,273 hectares of cultivable land. These infrastructure developments have not only improved water availability but also eased the pressure on groundwater resources.
Central to Odisha’s long-term strategy is sustainable water management through watershed development, active community participation, and strong local governance via Pani Panchayats. In 2023, the State was honored with the Best State award for creating over 53,000 water conservation structures and renovating approximately 11,000 traditional water bodies. By 2024-25, Odisha had established 42,110 functional Pani Panchayats, covered 24.63 lakh hectares and engaging over 53 lakh farmers, including more than 12.5 lakh women. The irrigated area reached 25.07 lakh hectares, slightly exceeding coverage, indicating improved utilization and efficiency in irrigation management. Odisha also received the SKOCH Award 2024 for Ensuring Equity & Inclusion in Pani
Panchayat, highlighting the State’s dedication to fostering equitable and participatory water governance.
Through these integrated efforts, Odisha has positioned itself as a model state for sustainable water conservation and governance. These initiatives not only support agricultural productivity but also build community resilience by ensuring equitable access to water resources for all.
D. Credit
3.5.9 Credit plays a vital role in enabling farmers to purchase essential inputs, invest in agriculture-related assets and machinery, and adopt modern technologies. Government of Odisha is providing interest subvention on crop loans to ease the interest burden on farmers. Crop loans up to INR 1 lakh are being provided at zero interest rate and loans upto INR 3 lakhs at 2 per cent upon prompt repayment. Bhoomihina Agriculturist Loan and Resources Augmentation Model (BALARAM) scheme is also being implemented to provide loans without collateral to support landless farmers and sharecroppers. During 2024-25, INR 110.70 crores have been financed to 11948 groups under this scheme. Furthermore, 44.54 lakh Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) have been issued to provide timely, hassle free working capital credit for farmers.
3.5.10 Agricultural loans amounting to INR 76.1 thousand crores have been disbursed in Odisha during the year 2024-25. The agricultural loan disbursement in the State has grown at a CAGR of 20.8 per cent from INR 35.8 thousand crores in 2020-21 (Figure 3.7). The share of agricultural loans relative to the agriculture sector’s output has also witnessed significant improvement from 30.6 per cent in 2020-21 to 45.1 per cent in 2024-25. This increased credit availability empowers farmers to invest in better quality farm inputs and technology, thereby leading to higher productivity and incomes.
3.5.11 Crop loans are usually short-term loans used for purchase of inputs and meeting other operational expenses. They constituted a share of 59.1 per cent of the total agricultural loans disbursed in 2024-25. Term loans, on the other hand are of long-term nature, utilized for buying machinery, farm equipment, irrigation systems, and livestock among others, accounted for a share of 40.9 per cent. Within the term loan, advances provided to allied sector constituted a share of 24.2 per cent, indicating a growing emphasis on livestock and fisheries sectors. It is worth noting that there has been an increase in the share of term loans over time from 31.2 per cent in 2020-21. This highlights that there is growing importance for capital investment and allied sector expansion in Odisha.
Figure 3.7: Agriculture Credit Disbursement in Odisha
| Year | Crop loan (INR ‘000 Crore) | Term loan (INR ‘000 Crore) | Total loan (INR ‘000 Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 24.6 | 11.1 | 35.8 |
| 2021-22 | 27.5 | 16.8 | 44.3 |
| 2022-23 | 33.1 | 21.6 | 54.7 |
| 2023-24 | 39.5 | 30.0 | 69.4 |
| 2024-25 | 45.0 | 31.1 | 76.1 |
Source: State Level Banker Committee (SLBC), Government of Odisha
E. Fertilizers
3.5.12 Encouraging judicious usage of fertilizers is critical for optimizing crop yields while ensuring environmental sustainability. Government of Odisha is promoting the adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), an approach that combines the judicious use of chemical fertilizers together with organic manures and biofertilizers. This approach helps in maintaining good soil health and improving productivity. Soil Health Card programme is being implemented under which soil samples are collected from field and tested in laboratory. Upon testing, a soil health card is provided to farmers with recommendations on required quantities of fertilizers to be used in balanced doses. During the year 2024-25, 5.57 lakh Soil Health Cards were issued. Furthermore, green manuring of ‘Dhanicha’ is being promoted to minimize nitrogenous fertilizer dependence and improve organic status of soil. In 2024-25, around 51,126 hectares were brought under this green manure cultivation.
3.5.13 Fertilizer consumption, including Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus per hectare of land in Odisha has grown modestly from 76.9 kg/ha in 2020-21 to 78.2 kg/ha in 2024-25. This modest increase reflects ongoing efforts to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity through balanced nutrient application. Per hectare consumption of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium stood at 42.6 kgs, 19.9 kgs and 5.1 kgs respectively in 2024-25 (Figure 3.8).
| Year | N (kg/ha) | P (kg/ha) | K (kg/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 43.7 | 22.5 | 10.7 |
| 2021-22 | 44.1 | 21.2 | 8.4 |
| 2022-23 | 42.7 | 18.6 | 4.9 |
| 2023-24 | 40.8 | 20.4 | 4.7 |
| 2024-25 | 42.6 | 19.9 | 5.1 |
Note: N: Nitrogen, P: Phosphorus, and K: Potassium
Source: Directorate of Agriculture & Food Production, Government of Odisha
3.6 AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT
A. Procurement
Paddy Procurement
3.6.1 Government of Odisha procures paddy directly from farmers at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) to safeguard them from distress sale and ensure fair income. Currently, an MSP of INR 2300 per quintal along with additional input assistance of INR 800 per quintal is being provided to farmers in the State. Paddy procurement in Odisha is primarily managed by the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd (OSCSC) and supported by Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), Women Self-Help Groups (WSHG) and Pani Panchayats. During 2024-25, 92.6 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured from over 19.73 lakh farmers and INR 21.3 thousand crores have been paid as an MSP and INR 7.14 thousand crores as input assistance. This procurement accounts for about 78 per cent of the total paddy produced in the state, up from 61 per cent in 2023-24 (Figure 3.9).
3.6.2 Currently, OSCSC manages 6.73 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of storage, while FCI uses 6.54 LMT for Custom Milled Rice (CMR). Odisha’s storage infrastructure includes godowns owned by OSCSC, FCI, Odisha State Warehousing Corporation, and Central Warehousing Corporation, along with private facilities developed under Central and State Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) schemes. To accommodate increasing procurement, the State has initiated an additional 10 LMT storage capacity under the PEG scheme, supplementing proposed CWC and FCI capacities.
3.6.3 Several initiatives are being undertaken to improve transparency in paddy procurement. Odisha has introduced a Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) during Rabi procurement to track vehicles from procurement centers to Fair Price Shops. The State is also deploying AI-based Grain Analyzers across high volume Paddy Procurement Centers to maintain consistent quality standards. Along with this, 100 per cent field verification is being carried out using satellite imagery to cross-check actual cultivation with registered land details. Additionally, data from the Agri Stack is used as a second verification layer through API integration.
Figure 3.9: Paddy Procurement in Odisha
| Year | Quantity Procured (in Lakh MT) | Percentage of quantity procured to production (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 77.3 | 70.3 |
| 2021-22 | 71.0 | 76.4 |
| 2022-23 | 79.2 | 66.3 |
| 2023-24 | 70.8 | 61.4 |
| 2024-25 | 92.6 | 78.1 |
Source: Department of Food, Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Government of Odisha
Procurement of Ragi
3.6.4 Government of Odisha is undertaking the procurement of Ragi at MSP through the Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Limited (TDCCOL). Currently, the State is also offering an additional incentive of INR 210 per quintal over the MSP of INR 4290. In the year 2024-25, Government has procured a total of 87.8 thousand MT of ragi from 73 thousand farmers across 30 districts of Odisha. It accounts for about 28.5 per cent of State’s total ragi production (Figure 3.10). Ragi procurement in absolute terms has more than doubled from 39.9 thousand MT in 2023-24. Furthermore, for the first time, Odisha supplied over one lakh quintals of ragi to Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, demonstrating the growing demand and market reach of the State’s ragi production.
3.6.5 To enhance transparency in ragi procurement, Odisha has introduced Aadhaar-linked registration with biometric authentication. Currently, 259 entities, including Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), are registered under the Millet Mission to support small farmers through the MPAS portal. In 2024-25, 130 FPOs were empaneled as block-level agencies.
Figure 3.10: Ragi Procurement in Odisha
| Year | Quantity Procured (in ‘000 MT) | Percentage of quantity procured to production (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 20.4 | 14.8 |
| 2022-23 | 50.1 | 22.1 |
| 2024-25 | 87.8 | 28.5 |
Source: Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd.
Procurement of other key crops
3.6.6 Besides paddy and ragi, procurement of key crops like pulses, oilseeds, maize and cotton is also being undertaken to promote cultivation of a wider range of crops among farmers. Odisha State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd (MARKFED) manages the procurement of oilseeds and pulses on behalf of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED). During the Rabi Season 2024-25, Odisha procured 10,292 MT of green gram, 1895 MT of groundnuts, 266 MT of black gram and 50.4 MT of sunflower.
3.6.7 Cotton Procurement in Odisha is handled by MARKFED and Cotton Corporation of India. During 2024-24, 11.54 lakh quintals were procured. These procurement efforts are contributing to a steady increase in cotton acreage in the State. In addition to this, 17.2 lakh quintals of maize have also been procured during the same period.
B. Marketing Infrastructure
3.6.8 Agricultural marketing infrastructure comprises essential facilities such as marketplaces, storage units, logistics, and communication networks that support the effective selling and distribution of agricultural products. A well-developed infrastructure enhances market efficiency, minimizes post-harvest losses, ensures fair prices, and strengthens farmers’ access to broader markets.
3.6.9 Odisha State Agricultural Marketing Board serves as the apex body supervising all Regulated Market Committees (RMCs) to promote systematic agricultural marketing in the state. The state has 66 RMCs which manage 54 principal yards, 428 sub-yards, 149 Gram Panchayat markets, and 42 Krushak Bazars involved in agri-marketing. Over the years, OSAM and RMCs played a key role in improving farmers’ incomes, promoting market linkages, and empowering women self-help groups through strategic partnerships and initiatives.
Storage Infrastructure
3.6.10 Cold storage infrastructure is vital for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of perishable agricultural and horticultural products. It helps reduce post-harvest losses, maintains freshness, and ensures year-round availability, which stabilizes market supply and prices. There are 35 operational cold storages in the State (33 private and 2 government-run) as of 2025. To strengthen the State’s Cold Storage Infrastructure, the Government has initiated the “Financial Assistance to Cold Storages” scheme in 2025 with an aim to establish at least one cold storage facility in each of the 58 sub-divisions. A total of INR 252 crores has been allocated for the scheme for a period of five years from 2025-26 to 2029-30. The scheme will support entrepreneurs in land acquisition, building construction, interest subvention, working capital, electricity tariff subsidies, and revitalization of non-functional cold storage facilities.
At least one cold storage in each of the 58 sub-divisions of the State to be developed through entrepreneurs.
3.6.11 Mandies provide a structured and regulated platform for farmers to sell their produce. As of March 2025, Odisha had a total of 3981 mandis spread across the 30 districts. In a period of two years (2025-26 to 2026-27), the State plans to develop 38 model mandis. Odisha Government has also established cold rooms to preserve the quality of perishable agricultural produce immediately after harvest. As of 2024-25, 239 solar cold rooms with a total capacity of 1795 MT have been set up. In addition, 100 small infrastructure development proposals for satellite mandis are planned to be set up across the State.
3.6.12 A multi-purpose godown or warehouse serves as a central hub for storing agricultural products and strengthening the food supply system. It provides safe storage for crops like maize, cotton, and coconut. The State plans to build 128 godowns with 250 MT capacity each at PACS/LAMPS level to improve storage facilities in rural areas. The Government has also planned to establish 28 integrated pack houses to centralize post-harvest activities such as sorting, grading, packing and storage.
Integrated Marketing through e-NAM
3.6.13 The Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a nationwide digital trading platform that connects existing APMC mandis to create a unified market for agricultural commodities. It enables farmers to sell produce across the country transparently at competitive prices, with seamless online payments. All 66 Regulated Market Committees (RMCs) in Odisha have been integrated with e-NAM, featuring e-platforms and e-trading facilities in selected mandis. As of December 2025, the platform registered 4.19 lakh farmers, 641 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and 9,888 traders, with over 24,263 e-payments totaling INR 5.05 thousand crore. During 2024-25, 70.8 lakh quintals valued at INR 1,828.28 crores of commodities were traded on e-NAM in Odisha benefiting 41.8 thousand farmers. Farmers have reported high satisfaction due to the prompt disbursal of payments via the e-NAM system.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
3.6.14 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are producer-led entities that help farmers leverage collective bargaining power and economies of scale. India has around 8,000 registered FPOs. Odisha is among the top 10 states in the country, with 1781 registered FPOs as
of March 2025 representing approximately 0.9 million producer farmers. FPOs primarily focus on agriculture and allied activities such as cultivation, livestock, fisheries, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
3.6.15 The promotion and formation of FPOs in Odisha have been driven by multiple agencies. The central government’s “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs” scheme has supported 448 FPOs in the state, while NABARD has promoted 434 FPOs. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture, Directorate of Horticulture, and various missions including the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM), NRLM, and Millet Mission, have collectively supported over 200 FPOs. Odisha’s progressive FPO Policy of 2018 further underpins this growth by providing a structured framework for development.
3.6.16 Directorate of Horticulture and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment have signed 60 MOUs with agricultural corporations to support FPOs in procurement, value addition, marketing, and export activities. Notably, 13 such MOUs were signed during 2024-25 alone. These partnerships have enabled the marketing of agricultural produce of INR 126.67 crores over the last two years. Due to improved institutional market linkages, farmers associated with these FPOs have experienced a 13.4 to 17.5 per cent increase in price realization. Over 200 FPOs have been linked to private sector markets, enabling small and marginal farmers to access better opportunities.
3.6.17 Directorate of Horticulture, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has facilitated the export of approximately 119.2 metric tonnes of mangoes and fresh vegetables from Odisha to 10 countries across the Middle East and Europe. These exports, undertaken by 31 FPOs from 12 districts, marked a significant milestone with the first commercial shipment of fresh produce flagged off in May 2024.
3.6.18 Complementing these efforts, the Odisha government launched the “Support to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)” scheme for 2023-24 to 2027-28. For this, INR 313.61 crore has been allocated to strengthen over 1,000 FPOs and benefit at least 3 lakh farmers. Furthermore, the government has also developed the FPO Odisha Portal, a one-stop platform offering comprehensive information to facilitate interaction among government agencies, private stakeholders, FPOs, and traders. As of 2024-25, 925 FPOs, more than 220 traders, five implementing agencies, and 29 Cluster-Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) have enrolled on the portal.
Box 3.3: Embracing Regenerative Agriculture for a Sustainable Future
Regenerative agriculture is a holistic farming approach designed to restore soil health, increase carbon sequestration, enhance biodiversity, improve water cycles, and promote ecological balance, all while strengthening farmers’ livelihoods3. Recognizing the critical importance of these benefits, the Government of Odisha is actively promoting the adoption of various regenerative practices across the state. Through targeted programs, farmer training, and policy support, the State is working towards mainstreaming these sustainable methods to create resilient agricultural systems that sustain productivity, conserve natural resources, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Five of these key practices being adopted in the State have been briefly described below:
01 Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management
4.50 lakh hectares of area in Rabi season has been brought under CRFM benefitting 7.16 lakh farmers in 2024-25.
02 Special Programme for Promotion of Integrated Farming in Tribal Areas
A total area of 7,377 hectares has been brought under intercropping methods, benefiting 40,000 farmers.
03 Soil Health Management
5.57 lakh Soil Health Cards were issued in 2024-25.
04 Direct Seeded Rice
Mechanized DSR with IWM has been implemented on 5,000 hectares across 15 districts in the state.
05 Revival and sustainable Intensification of Forgotten Food/Neglected Crops
Conserve and promote the diverse native landraces and traditional crops of the state, valued for their climate resilience, nutritional richness, salinity tolerance, and other beneficial traits 15 districts.
Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management (CRFM)4 is a practice that promotes the utilisation of residual moisture left in rice fields post-harvest for cultivation of short duration pulse and oilseed crops. It helps in improving cropping intensity, rebuilds organic soil matter and aids crop diversification. As part of this initiative, farmers are being provided with high-quality seeds and other eco-friendly agricultural inputs for crop cultivation. During 2024-25, around 4.50 lakh hectares of area in Rabi season has been brought under CRFM benefitting 7.16 lakh farmers.
3 Choudhari, P., Pasumarthi, R., Patil, M., Karanam, P., Singh, R., Sawargaonkar, G., … & Jat, M. L. (2024). Compendium of regenerative agriculture: A guide to sustainable and resilient production systems.
4 Dar, M. H., Kumara Charyulu, D., Davala, M. S., Sonkar, V. K., Pal, A., & Mayes, S. (2025). Comprehensive Project on Rice-Fallow Management (2023-2024).
Soil Health Card programme is being implemented under which soil samples are collected from field and tested in laboratory. Upon testing, a soil health card is provided to farmers with recommendations on required quantities of fertilizers to be used in balanced doses. During the year 2024-25, 5.57 lakh Soil Health Cards were issued. Odisha has also launched SAFAR (Soil Amendments to Reclaim Acid Soils of Odisha), which promotes the use of basic slag and fly ash as soil amendments, which supports a long-term productivity.
Special Programme for Promotion of Integrated Farming in Tribal Areas aims to create a connected system that combines crops, livestock, and subsidiary enterprises to maximize resource use and reduce environmental impacts. This initiative has been implemented in nine districts including Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Mayurbhanj, and Malkangiri. A total area of 7,377 hectares has been brought under intercropping methods, benefiting 40,000 farmers.
Direct Seeded Rice (DSR): Rice is a major crop in Odisha, cultivated across diverse ecosystems. Traditional methods such as Puddled Transplanted Rice (PTR) and beushening are labor-intensive, costly, and less efficient. Mechanized Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) combined with Integrated Weed Management (IWM) reduces water usage, labor requirements, and greenhouse gas emissions. So far, mechanized DSR with IWM has been implemented on 5,000 hectares across 15 districts in the state.
Revival and Sustainable Intensification of Forgotten Food/Neglected Crops programme in Odisha aims to conserve and promote the diverse landraces and traditional crop varieties native to the State. These crops are valued for their climate resilience, nutritional value, salinity tolerance, and other beneficial traits. This initiative will be implemented across 25 blocks in 15 districts for period of five years. It aims to support farmers by providing assistance for adopting recommended practices and intercropping methods to revive these valuable traditional crops.
3.7 RISK MITIGATION
3.7.1 Climate change poses a significant and growing threat to agricultural development. Shifting weather patterns, increased frequency of extreme events, and unpredictable climatic conditions adversely affect crop production, soil health, and farmer livelihoods. In Odisha, its impacts have become increasingly evident through rising incidences of cyclones, heat waves, dry spells, unseasonal rains, and floods. The agriculture sector in the State has been vulnerable to climate-induced shocks such as cyclones, droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall patterns. Following unseasonal rainfall in December 2024, the government declared it a natural calamity, enabling relief to affected farmers from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The State is also making
efforts to enhance its adaptive capacity through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, improved watershed management, and the development of drought- and flood-tolerant crop varieties. The State has also formulated a crop contingency plan to ensure timely supply of seeds and fertilizers during natural calamities. Furthermore, risk management is being strengthened by expanding crop insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), issuing real-time weather advisories, and developing digital early-warning systems. Long-term sustainability is being pursued by promoting crop diversification, water-efficient irrigation infrastructure, and community-based groundwater governance.
3.7.2 Government of Odisha has prioritized the widespread implementation of crop insurance schemes such as PMFBY. Under this initiative, farmers are required to pay only a nominal fee of one rupee per application for coverage up to 2 hectares. It covers both sharecroppers and tenant farmers cultivating notified crops in designated areas. PMFBY in the State have been grouped into 6 clusters for smooth implementation of the scheme by insurance companies. The scheme protects farmers against crop failure due to natural calamities such as hailstorms, landslides, inundation, and post-harvest losses. For the 2024-25 season, approximately 22.42 lakh farmers were insured during Kharif and 1.81 lakh during Rabi, totaling 24.23 lakh farmers. Compensation amounting to INR 154.30 crores have been disbursed to 1.15 lakh affected farmers.
3.7.3 Climate Resilience Cell (CRC) has been constituted to implement and monitor the Odisha Climate Change Action Plan. It is mandated to create a comprehensive database to support policy formulation related to climate change. CRC is responsible for identifying climate-sensitive, climate-proofing, and climate-resilient innovative approaches from both national and international sources. Upon identification, it also advocates for their adaptation within Odisha’s agro-ecosystems with support from OUAT and ICAR institutes. Further, it also engages in crop weather monitoring activities and review of department schemes through a climate lens.
An exclusive Climate Resilience Cell has been established to support and revisit all departmental schemes through lens of institutionalize resilience in agri-food systems of the state.
3.7.4 These efforts highlight Odisha’s commitment towards building a climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. By integrating innovative practices, robust risk management, and strong institutional support, the state aims to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and ensure long-term food security.
3.8 ORGANIC FARMING
3.8.1 Organic farming has emerged as a vital strategy for mitigating climate-related risks in agriculture due to its focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Recognizing its importance, the Government of Odisha is actively promoting organic farming to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and enhance soil health. The state’s efforts are centered around adopting natural inputs and traditional farming methods that support environmental sustainability and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
3.8.2 Odisha Organic Farming Policy 2018 provides a robust framework to guide and support farmers transitioning from conventional to organic methods. This policy emphasizes the use of natural inputs and encourages practices that maintain ecological balance. The State is also implementing a centrally sponsored initiative Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), sub-scheme of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), from 2022-23 in 24,000 hectares across 15 districts and 26 blocks. BPKP focuses on traditional indigenous farming techniques and promotes the recycling of farm biomass through mulching and the use of cow dung and urine formulations. To date, over 26,000 farmers have benefited from this scheme through direct financial incentives. As many as 26,833 farmers receive an incentive of INR 2,000 per hectare through DBT under this initiative.
3.8.3 Odisha has also launched the Odisha Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission (BJCM), a state sector scheme targeting organic cultivation of both agricultural and horticultural crops in cluster mode. This mission primarily operates in eight districts with an estimated budget of INR 113.58 crore over five years (2025-26 to 2029-30). BJCM promotes chemical-free farming, post-harvest processing, and value-added marketing through community-based organizations. The usage of organically grown (chemical free) rice along with green gram for Shree Jagannatha temple kitchen is also being facilitated under this scheme. In line with this, the state government, in collaboration with the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration, has launched the ‘Amruta Anna Yojana.’ This initiative ensures that paddy grown organically by local farmers is used to prepare ‘Kotha Bhoga’ and ‘Mahaprasad’ offerings at the temple.
Box 3.4: Towards an Inclusive Agriculture Sector
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), supported by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), has established a Gender Responsive Cell (GRC) to address ongoing systemic gaps in gender integration. GRC’s primary role is to develop a gender-responsive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework that institutionalizes gender considerations throughout planning, program design, implementation, and performance review. Additionally, the GRC will conduct comprehensive analyses of existing policies and programs, assist with gender budgeting and expenditure reviews. It will also create tools and indicators to evaluate how effectively gender priorities are being incorporated into resource allocation, implementation processes, and outcomes. By integrating gender inclusion into both upstream and downstream activities, the GRC aims to make gender a fundamental operational principle rather than an add-on. Its framework and approach will build on insights from IFPRI’s ongoing Gender, Climate and Nutrition Integration Initiative (GCAN) being implemented in the state. Furthermore, the GRC supports Odisha’s broader vision of establishing a Centre for Women-Led Development (CWLD) under the State Institute for Women and Children, serving as a sector-specific pilot to guide and stimulate broader institutional reforms. This transformative initiative paves the way for inclusive agricultural development, ensuring greater empowerment and participation of women farmers across the State.
3.9 AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED EXPORTS
3.9.1 Agriculture and allied sector exports in Odisha stood at INR 5.22 thousand crores in 2024-25, constituting a share of 3.3 per cent in the State’s Agriculture and Allied Sector GVA. They have steadily increased over time reflecting the increasing demand for Odisha’s agriculture and allied products in international markets. The exports increased at a CAGR of 12.2 percent from INR 3.3 thousand crores to INR 5.22 thousand crores between 2020-21 and 2024-25 (Figure 3.11). Consequently, the share of these exports in Odisha’s total merchandise exports also rose from 4.3 per cent to 6.1 per cent during the same period.
Figure 3.11: Agriculture and Allied Sector Exports in Odisha
| Year | Agriculture and Allied Exports (in INR crore) | Share in merchandise exports (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 3292 | 4.3% |
| 2022-23 | 4817 | 5.4% |
| 2024-25 | 5216 | 6.1% |
Source: Directorate of Export Promotion and Marketing, Government of Odisha
3.9.2 The agriculture and allied sector export basket in Odisha is highly concentrated. Marine Products and Rice put together constitute 99 per cent of the exports (Table 3.5). Other key products such as processed food, fruits and vegetables, dairy and poultry products, etc., constitute a minuscule share highlighting the need for more targeted efforts in diversifying the export basket.
Table 3.5: Composition of Agriculture and Allied Sector Exports in Odisha, 2024-25
| Products | Value (in INR crore) | Share in Agriculture and allied Exports |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Products | 4708 | 90.3% |
| Rice | 468 | 9.0% |
| Processed Foods* | 17 | 0.3% |
| Spices | 15 | 0.3% |
| Fruits and Vegetables | 3 | 0.06% |
| Cereals | 2 | 0.04% |
| Cashew | 2 | 0.04% |
| Dairy and Poultry | 1 | 0.02% |
*Processed foods include processed fruits and vegetables, cereal preparations and milled products.
Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata, SEZ & STPI, Bhubaneswar
3.9.3 Odisha’s diverse agro-climatic conditions support the cultivation of a wide range of agricultural commodities, including fruits, vegetables, spices, plantation crops, flowers, and medicinal herbs. Although their current production is limited, these commodities offer significant potential to expand horticulture, develop agro-processing industries and increase exports. The state has already demonstrated competitive strengths in several key commodities. Notably, Odisha holds a competitive advantage in six of the 20 export value chains identified nationally including rice, shrimp, coffee, spices, cashew, coconut, and mango. Despite the edge, their export performance leaves significant headroom for expansion. This would require the state to identify and address barriers across all stages right from input supply and production to aggregation, logistics, processing and exports for all key commodities.
3.9.4 Odisha ranks among India’s leading rice producers, producing 119 lakh tonnes of paddy annually. Rice also occupies the second position in terms of value in the State’s agriculture and allied export basket. Despite the high production, Odisha’s rice exports account for only 0.4 per cent of India’s total rice exports indicating scope for huge improvement. Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047 sets ambitious targets to increase the rice export value to INR 6,200 crore by 2036 and further to INR 10,000 crore by 2047. Achieving these goals will require focused efforts to produce exportable rice varieties, improve export infrastructure, wider district-level participation, and a robust value chain to boost productivity and market reach. To support this, the government has launched ‘Promotion of Indigenous Aromatic and Non-Aromatic Paddy with Export Potential/Local Market’ to promote aromatic and non-aromatic paddy varieties with export potential. In addition, Odisha is also formulating a comprehensive rice export policy to enhance quality standards, streamline export processes, and expand market access. These integrated measures can help in harnessing Odisha’s rice production strengths to unlock significant export opportunities and economic growth.
During 2024-25, 47,839 ha, under aromatic and non-aromatic indigenous paddy cultivation have been promoted and benefiting 62,065 farmers.
3.10 LIVESTOCK
3.10.1 Livestock sector is a significant contributor to Odisha’s economy. It constitutes a share of about 13.7 per cent of Agriculture and allied GVA and 2.7 per cent of the State’s total GVA. The sector has grown at a CAGR of 6.6 per cent in the last decade. In the year 2025-26, as per advance estimates, livestock sector is projected to grow at 4.7 per cent. Increasing incomes along with shifting dietary preferences towards protein-rich foods is expected to further drive sector’s growth.
3.10.2 The livestock sector plays a pivotal role in supplementing farmers’ incomes, supporting rural livelihoods and promoting nutritional security. The earnings from the sector act as a safety net protecting farmers during unfavorable cropping seasons. Recognizing this importance, the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) has identified dairying, livestock, and poultry as high-growth sectors. The sector also holds significant employment potential, engaging around 12.4 lakh people in Odisha as of 20245.
5 Derived from PLFS 2024 data by combining the workforce population engaged in NIC industry codes 01411, 01412, 01413, 01441, 01442, 01443, 01461, 01462, 01463, 01491, 01492, 01493, 01499 and 01620.
3.10.3 Odisha has a livestock population of 181.7 lakhs i.e. 3.4 per cent of India’s total livestock population as per the 20th Livestock Census. The State is home to 99 lakh cattle, 64 lakh goats, 13 lakh sheep, 4.58 lakh buffaloes and 1.35 lakh pigs. Cattle constitute the largest segment of Odisha’s livestock population, accounting for 54.5 per cent of the total followed by small ruminants i.e. goats and sheep. The poultry population stood at 274 lakhs constituting a share of 3.2 per cent in India’s total. The State ranks 10th in cattle and poultry and 9th in goat and sheep population in India. The number of households having cattle, buffalo and poultry in Odisha stood at 30.23 lakh, 0.93 lakh and 13.98 lakh respectively.
3.10.4 There is a growing demand for livestock and poultry products in Odisha. The monthly per capita consumption expenditure on milk, eggs and chicken in the State increased between 2011-12 and 2023-24 in both rural and urban areas. This rise reflects not only increased incomes but also changing dietary preferences towards protein-rich foods. Specifically, per capita expenditure on milk and milk-based products rose from INR 25.8 to INR 101.4 in rural areas and from INR 69.2 to INR 225.4 in urban areas (Table 3.6). Per capita egg consumption has also increased during this period in both rural and urban areas. Monthly per capita expenditure on chicken witnessed the fastest growth, reflecting its popularity as a lean and versatile protein favored by both rural and urban consumers.
Table 3.6: Monthly per capita consumption expenditure on animal-based products in Odisha, in INR
| Products | Rural | Urban | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | 2023-24 | 2011-12 | 2023-24 | |
| Milk & Milk based products | 25.8 | 101.4 | 69.2 | 225.4 |
| Eggs | 4.9 | 20.2 | 6.8 | 20.1 |
| Chicken | 12.5 | 94.8 | 13.1 | 95.3 |
Note: Milk and milk-based products include liquid milk, milk powder, ghee, curd/yogurt, butter, ice-cream, paneer, prepared sweets, cheese, and lassi or buttermilk.
Source: Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, various rounds
A. Milk Production
3.10.5 Odisha’s milk production in 2024-25 stood at 27.1 lakh MT, constituting a share of 1.1 per cent in India’s total milk production. Milk production in the State has increased at a CAGR of 3.4 per cent from 23.7 lakh MT in 2020-21 (Figure 3.12). However, this is lower than all-India growth of 4.2 per cent during the same period. This low growth in milk production can be attributed to low share of cross breed varieties and low yield. Although, the yield of both crossbreed and indigenous cows in Odisha have increased over time, they are still low when compared to all-India average. In 2024-25, the yield of crossbreed and indigenous cows in Odisha was 7.4 kgs and 1.7 kgs per day respectively. During the same year, the national averages were 9.1 kgs and 3.9 kgs per day respectively. Furthermore, the population of milch crossbreed cows, the varieties that exhibit higher lactation yields is low in Odisha. As per the latest livestock census,
these varieties constituted a share of only 7 per cent in total cattle population as against 13 percent at all-India level. The Government of Odisha is prioritizing the increase of high-yielding cow populations through several initiatives, including GOMATA (Goal for Management and Treatment of Animals) and Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana (MKY). The State has also implemented the artificial insemination programme to improve the genetic quality of cattle and buffaloes to enhance productivity and economic returns. During the financial year 2024-25, a total of 9.24 lakh Artificial Inseminations (AIs) were performed. Furthermore, 81 thousand artificial inseminations were performed using sex sorted semen benefitting 66 thousand farmers.
3.10.6 MKY is a flagship scheme launched in 2024 for a five-year period with a dedicated budget of INR 1,423.5 crores. The core objective of the programme is to double milk production in the State. It targets to benefit close to 15.5 lakh small and marginal dairy farmers, promoting livelihood enhancement and income generation. The scheme adopts a holistic approach to dairy development through eight key components, including Go-Palan Yojana, Buffalo Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (BEDS), Top-Up Subsidy for Commercial Dairy Farming, Female Calf Rearing Scheme, Go-Sampad Bima Yojana (cattle insurance), and the Fodder Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.
3.10.7 The state’s per capita availability of milk has increased from 143 grams per day in 2020-21 to 159 grams per day in 2024-25. However, it is lower than the national average of 485 grams per day and below the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommendation of 300 grams per day. In terms of composition, cow milk accounts for a high share of 98 per cent in Odisha, followed by buffalo (1.3 per cent) and goat milk (0.7 per cent). In contrast, the composition at the national level is more balanced, with cow milk accounting for 53.1 per cent and buffalo milk constituting a share of 43.6 per cent. Therefore, there is a need to diversify the milk production portfolio to tap into the growing demand for buffalo milk, which is often preferred for certain dairy products for its higher fat and protein content. To encourage buffalo milk production, the State is offering subsidies for setting up small dairy units with improved buffalo breed under the Buffalo Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (BEDS).
Figure 3.12: Milk- Production and Per capita Availability
| Financial Year | Milk Production (In Lakh MT) | Per capita availability (grms/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 23.7 | 143 |
| 2021-22 | 24.0 | 144 |
| 2022-23 | 24.8 | 148 |
| 2023-24 | 26.4 | 156 |
| 2024-25 | 27.1 | 159 |
Source: Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Odisha
3.10.8 Government of Odisha is implementing the Fodder Entrepreneur Scheme (FES) under MKY. This initiative supports individual farmers in green fodder production, critical for meeting the nutritional needs of milch cows and improving milk yield. During the financial year 2024-25, the State distributed 2 lakh fodder seed minikits, covering 42,500 acres of land. Additionally, under the FES, 848 acres were brought under perennial fodder cultivation with financial assistance of INR 35,000 per acre. As a result of these efforts, fodder production in Odisha has seen a significant increase, rising from 18.7 lakh quintals in 2023-24 to 82 lakh quintals in 2024-25.
3.10.9 Dairy sector in Odisha is predominantly smallholder-based and organized largely through dairy cooperatives under the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED). These cooperatives play a critical role in improving farmer livelihoods by providing reliable market access and ensuring fair prices. As of 2024-25, there are 3920 functional Dairy Cooperative Societies with a membership of around 3.33 lakh farmers. In the same year, OMFED proudly supplied 1.58 lakh liters of high-quality Ghee to the sacred Shree Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri and Lord Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, reflecting its dedication to purity and excellence.
3.10.10 OMFED procured an average of 5.14 lakh liters of milk daily in 2024-25 up from 4.91 lakh liters in the previous year. OMFED and few private players manage significant volumes of milk processing in the state. However, a large unorganized sector persists. This highlights the need to expand cooperative membership, increase organized milk procurement, and promote value-added dairy products to unlock the sector’s full growth potential.
Key Initiatives for Livestock Health Management
3.10.11 Livestock health management is vital for sustainable production, improved productivity, and efficient resource utilization. It safeguards farmers and consumers from zoonotic and food-borne diseases, ensuring food security and livelihoods. Odisha has a robust animal healthcare infrastructure comprising 3,239 Livestock Aid Centers, 541 veterinary hospitals, 3,433 artificial insemination (AI) centers, and 314 Mobile Veterinary Units. The state employs 1110 veterinary doctors and 1,940 Livestock Inspectors to deliver accessible veterinary care at the grassroots level at present. In 2024-25, 154.3 lakh cases were treated, 9.82 lakh castrations performed, and 535.25 lakh vaccine doses administered to protect livestock from infectious diseases.
3.10.12 The State is also operating 314 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) one in each block. These provide doorstep services including treatment, castration, vaccination, diagnostic testing, and awareness programs. These MVUs serve approximately one lakh farmers monthly, enhancing rural livestock health access.
3.10.13 The government has introduced Tele-Veterinary Services with a toll-free number (1962), now covering all 314 blocks, offering real-time veterinary consultations via video calls. Additionally, the Animal Ambulance Service operates in 14 urban areas across 11 districts, ensuring emergency care for stray and destitute animals.
3.10.14 Under the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP) in 2024-25, Odisha vaccinated 85.34 lakh animals against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and 3.95 lakh calves against Brucellosis. The Critical Animal Disease Control Program (CADCP) vaccinated 74.93 lakh goats and sheep against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and 1.26 lakh pigs against Classical Swine Fever (CSF).
Box 3.5: From Modest Earnings to Sustained Incomes: Gita’s Success with MKY
Smt. Gita S. Khadiar from Dasamantpur village in Koraput district is a remarkable example of how the Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana (MKY) is transforming rural livelihoods in Odisha. Previously, Gita managed to rear one Cross Bred Jersey (CBJ) and one non-descript cow, which earned her an income of INR 6,000 to 7,500 per month. After receiving guidance from the Block Veterinary Officer about the Go-Palan Yojana, a component of MKY, Gita invested in two Cross Bred Holstein Friesian (CBHF) cows with the help of a government subsidy amounting to INR 1.61 lakhs. With firm support from her husband and proper animal husbandry practices, she now produces and sells around 20 liters of milk every day. This increased production has raised her monthly income substantially, now ranging between INR 24,000 to 25,000. This is a threefold increase from her earlier earnings. Gita’s story showcases the positive economic impact of targeted government interventions like MKY. The scheme is empowering small and marginal dairy farmers by improving their livestock assets, enhancing productivity, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Through schemes like MKY, countless farmers in rural Odisha are now able to stabilize and improve their incomes, contributing to broader rural economic growth and poverty reduction.
B. Meat Production
3.10.15 Meat Production in Odisha has steadily increased over time. It stood at 278 thousand MT in 2024-25, growing at a CAGR of 6.8 per cent from 213 thousand MT in 2020-21 (Figure 3.13). Notably, the meat production in the State has recorded a higher growth rate than all-India average in the last five years. The State accounted for a share of 2.6 per cent in India’s total meat production in 2024-25. In terms of composition, poultry contributed the highest share of 61 percent in Odisha followed by goat (32 per cent), sheep (6 per cent) and pig (1 per cent). Odisha ranks 12th in poultry meat production in the country driven by the large-scale development of poultry hubs, the promotion of entrepreneurship, and strategic support for commercial, semi-commercial, and small-scale poultry units. The poultry meat production in Odisha has increased from 110 thousand MT in 2020-21 to 168 thousand MT in 2024-25 at a CAGR of 11.3 per cent. Further, there is also a growing demand for goat and sheep meat in the State influenced by evolving dietary preferences and rooted culinary traditions.
3.10.16 The per capita availability of meat in the State increased from 4.7 kgs per annum in 2020-21 to 5.9 kgs per annum in 2024-25. This is lower than the national average of 7.5 kgs per annum in 2024-25. To bridge this gap, there is need to encourage private sector investment, particularly in meat-producing animals. Further, embracing scientific and modern methods of meat animal production is vital to boost efficiency and quality. Additionally, establishing a robust processed meat industry presents a significant opportunity to add value, ensure steady meat supply, and offer consumers a wider variety of products.
Figure 3.13: Meat- Production and Per capita availability in Odisha
| Year | Production (‘000 MT) | Per capita Availability (Kg/Annum) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 213 | 4.7 |
| 2021-22 | 216 | 4.7 |
| 2022-23 | 227 | 4.9 |
| 2023-24 | 242 | 5.2 |
| 2024-25 | 278 | 5.9 |
Source: Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Odisha
Box 3.6: Scaling Up Small Ruminant Farming to support rural livelihoods
Small ruminant farming, involving sheep, goats and pigs, plays a vital role in improving rural livelihoods and agricultural sustainability. These animals have high reproductive rates, and can thrive on limited and low-quality feed, making them ideal for smallholder farmers and landless populations. Small ruminants provide multiple benefits, they supply nutrient-rich milk and meat for human consumption, manure to improve crop production, and wool, hair, and skin for diverse industrial applications. During natural disasters such as droughts and floods, small ruminants provide a crucial source of livelihood and financial stability. With minimal initial investment and rapid reproduction, they allow farmers to earn steady income and accumulate wealth. Additionally, small ruminants exhibit unique qualities including superior thermoregulation, disease resistance, endurance for long-distance grazing, and high feed conversion efficiency. Their low environmental impact and resilience to climate stresses makes them a vital and sustainable part of livestock farming.
As per 20th Livestock Census, Odisha’s small ruminant population stood at 78.1 lakhs, comprising 63.9 lakh goats, 12.8 lakh sheep and 1.4 lakh pigs. In 2024-25, they constituted a share of 39 per cent and 0.7 per cent in the State’s total meat and milk production. There is an increasing demand for goat and sheep meat in Odisha, influenced by dietary diversity and rooted culinary choices. Recognizing the importance of small ruminants as a dependable income source for small and marginal farmers, the Government of Odisha has initiated several promotion measures. Small Animal Development sub-scheme under the Prani Sampad Samruddhi Yojana (PSSY) has been initiated to support goat and sheep farming. This scheme offers a 60 percent subsidy to individuals from weaker sections and 50 percent subsidy for the general category to rear goats, sheep, and pigs.
Odisha is the first state in India to launch a statewide artificial insemination program for goats, using semen from indigenous breeds such as Black Bengal and Ganjam, through the Small Animal Breeding Policy. This landmark initiative aims to enhance meat production through systematic genetic improvement and is part of broader efforts to meet the growing demand for meat and related products. During 2024-25, 48,560 goats belonging to 26,809 farmers were inseminated. These comprehensive initiatives highlight Odisha’s commitment to strengthening the small ruminant sector. By combining genetic improvement, targeted subsidies, and inclusive support for marginalized groups, the state is well-positioned to meet growing demand while enhancing the resilience and prosperity of its farming communities.
C. Egg Production
3.10.17 Eggs are valued for their high-quality protein and essential nutrients such as Vitamins B12 and D and help in meeting the recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Egg Production in Odisha has grown impressively since 2020-21. Odisha ranked 10th in India in egg production and accounts for about 3 percent share in country’s total egg production in 2024-25. Between 2020-21 and 2024-25, the State’s egg production grew from 242 crore eggs to 406 crore eggs per annum at an impressive CAGR of 13.8 per cent (Figure
An orange line-art icon of a wicker basket with two eggs inside it.
3.14). This is more than double the growth rate registered at the national level during the same period. This high growth is being driven by Odisha’s continued efforts in developing poultry hubs by offering support for setting up commercial, semi-commercial and small-scale poultry units.
3.10.18 The per capita availability of eggs in the State reached 84 eggs per annum in 2024-25 from 53 in 2020-21 (Figure 3.14). This is lower than the national average of 106 eggs in 2024-25 and ICMR’s recommendation of 180 eggs per person per day. Odisha aims to reach the target of producing 500 crore eggs annually by 2029. Support is being provided with required government and bank approvals to facilitate the establishment of poultry layer farms.
3.10.19 In terms of composition, majority of the share comes from fowl (99.7 per cent) with improved fowl alone accounting for a share of 92 per cent. Ducks, including both desi and improved varieties, account for miniscule share of only 0.3 per cent. On the other hand, commercial poultry contributed about 90 per cent of Odisha’s egg output while backyard poultry accounted for 10 per cent. There is a need to increase egg production in the State through ducks, quails and back poultry to meet the rising demand for eggs and achieve higher levels of per capita availability. In this regard, sustained government support and innovative strategies will be crucial to unlocking the poultry sector’s full potential and ensuring its sustainable growth.
3.10.20 Government of Odisha is undertaking numerous measures to support the poultry industry. It is promoting broiler farming among individual farmers/women self-help groups for increasing farm capacities from 1,000 to 2,000/2,500/3,000 birds in 2025-26. 60 per cent subsidy is being provided to meet project costs in two phases to economically empower women. Additionally, the government is also planning to increase subsidies for mechanized layer farming to encourage agri-entrepreneurs to make large-scale investments.
Figure 3.14: Egg-Production and Per capita Availability in Odisha
| Year | Production of eggs (in Crore) | Per capita Availability of eggs (nos/annum) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 242.4 | 53 |
| 2021-22 | 307.9 | 67 |
| 2022-23 | 341.1 | 74 |
| 2023-24 | 372.3 | 80 |
| 2024-25 | 406.1 | 84 |
Source: Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Odisha
3.11 FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
3.11.1 Odisha is bestowed with a long coastline of 574.71 kms and abundant forest and natural resources. The state covers a total geographical area of 155,707 sq km (4.7 per cent of India’s total), with forest and tree cover spanning 58,597 sq km (7.2 per cent of the country’s total). It features diverse ecosystems, from the tropical moist deciduous forests of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve to the globally significant mangroves of Bhitarkanika. This rich green wealth plays a vital role in carbon sequestration and supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. Diverse ecological landscape of Odisha witnessed six Ramsar sites including Chilika Lake and also Similipal Tiger Reserve uniquely hosts the world’s only breeding population of melanistic tigers.
3.11.2 Forests play a crucial role in Odisha’s socio-economic development, environmental protection, and ecosystem management. They provide livelihood for tribal communities and supply various economic products such as timber, firewood, and medicinal plants. Odisha has the third highest tribal population in India, accounting for 22.8 per cent of the state’s total population. Rural communities also rely on forests to graze their livestock. Additionally, forest cover contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting flora and fauna, and enhancing biodiversity management.
3.11.3 The forestry and logging sector contributed around 13.4 per cent to the agriculture and allied sectors’ Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in 2025-26. The sector recorded a robust growth rate of 5.1 per cent in 2025-26, up from 3.4 per cent in 2024-25. Various initiatives have been undertaken to increase forest cover and promote the socio-economic development of people living in forest fringe areas.
A. Forest Conservation and Livelihood
3.11.4 Odisha has a thriving forest and tree cover that plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. According to India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the State’s combined forest and tree cover stands at 58,597 sq km, accounting for 37.6 per cent of its total geographical area. Out of this, forest area covers 52,434 sq km (33.7 per cent), while tree cover contributes 6,163 sq km (3.9 per cent). Between 2021 and 2023, Odisha saw a total increase of 559 sq km in forest and tree cover, the third highest rise nationally. The forest area expanded by 152 sq km and tree cover by 407 sq km.
3.11.5 In alignment with the National Forest Policy (NFP) 1988, Odisha has maintained a forest cover exceeding 33 per cent, crucial for environmental stability, and is among the nineteen States and Union Territories meeting the NFP criteria. With respect to forest canopy density, ISFR 2023 reports 7,224 sq km of Very Dense Forest (VDF), 21,066 sq km of Moderately Dense Forest (MDF), and 24,144 sq km of Open Forest (OF). Out of Odisha’s 30 districts, 13 have forest cover exceeding 33 per cent of their geographical area.
3.11.6 Forests not only protect the environment and conserve biodiversity but also support the livelihoods of communities, especially tribal populations living in and around forested areas.
Odisha’s effective forest conservation efforts have enhanced livelihood opportunities through forest-based products. Major sources of revenue include timber, firewood, and kendu leaf. In 2024-25, the sale value of forest products increased by 9.5 percent from INR 607.4 crore to INR 665.3 crore, reflecting better market realization. Kendu leaf remained the largest contributor, with revenue increasing from INR 517.4 crore to INR 566.2 crore, supporting many forest-based livelihoods. Bamboo showed the highest growth, with sales jumping from INR 1.8 crore to INR 4.6 crore, indicating successful market expansion and policy support.
Table 3.7: Revenue from Forest Produce, INR Crore
| Products | 2023-24 | 2024-25 (Up to March 25) | Growth in 2024-25 over previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber | 74.3 | 76.8 | 3.4% |
| Firewood | 14.0 | 17.8 | 27.2% |
| Kendu leaf | 517.4 | 566.2 | 9.4% |
| Bamboo | 1.8 | 4.6 | 160.3% |
| Total | 607.4 | 665.3 | 9.5% |
Source: Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Odisha
3.11.7 To promote forest-based livelihoods while ensuring conservation, Odisha is implementing initiatives centered on a community-based forest management model, including the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP-II), OFSDS-OMBADC Livelihood Initiative (Mineral Bearing Areas), and Ama Jangal Yojana (AJY).
Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP-II)
3.11.8 Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society Phase-II (OFSDP-II) is a significant initiative supported by the Government of Odisha with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Implemented across 48 Field Management Units within 12 Forest Territorial and 2 Wildlife Divisions, its primary goals are livelihood promotion, sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and income generation. The project emphasizes community participation through Joint Forest Management (JFM), where local communities actively plan and execute forestry activities. This collaborative approach not only conserves forest resources but also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal and fringe communities, helping reduce their reliance on forest extraction. Since its launch in 2017-18, the initiative has covered 1.25 lakh hectares under 1,210 Vana Surakshya Samitis (VSS) and 10 Eco Development Committees. In 2024-25 alone, over 8,000 beneficiaries received revolving funds to engage in income-generating activities through Self Help Groups, Common Interest Groups, and support for the poorest. Cumulatively, more than 41,000 beneficiaries have been supported with loans totaling over INR 26 crores.
Box 3.7: Growing Prosperity: Narayana Bhoi’s Journey with OFSDP-II’s Pulpwood Model
In the village of Siali, Subarnapur district, Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project Phase II (OFSDP-II) has brought about a remarkable transformation through innovative farm forestry models focused on sustainable land use and rural income generation. Among these models, the Pulpwood Model caught the attention of Narayana Bhoi, a 43-year-old farmer and community Animator with the local Van Surakshya Samiti (VSS). With a strong commitment to forest conservation and community development, Narayana embraced the technical guidance and support provided by OFSDP-II to plant 2,100 eucalyptus saplings on 2.1 hectares of his land. By meticulously following recommended maintenance practices, Narayana nurtured healthy trees that grew strong within three years. In a strategic move, he harvested 200 trees in the third year, converting them into 400 poles that were sold at INR 100 each, earning him INR 40,000. This early financial return validated the promise of the Pulpwood Model, providing Narayana with a new source of income. This is inspiring neighboring farmers to consider alternative, sustainable land-use options. Narayana’s success story highlights the power of combining technical expertise with grassroots initiatives under the OFSDP-II framework. It shows how sustainable forestry can deliver not only environmental benefits but also tangible economic gains for rural farmers. His journey has sparked wider interest in the region, encouraging more farmers to explore farm forestry as a viable livelihood option. Through projects like OFSDP-II, Odisha is witnessing a shift towards sustainable practices that fuel both ecological conservation and rural prosperity.
OFSDS–OMBADC Livelihood Initiative (Mineral Bearing Areas)
3.11.9 Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS), in collaboration with the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC), launched a joint initiative targeting forest fringe communities near mineral-bearing areas. Covering 25 ranges across five forest and wildlife divisions, this project runs from 2021 to 2026 with financial support of INR 43.4 crores from OMBADC, nearly fully disbursed by March 2025. The initiative focuses on addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by these communities by covering 900 VSSs and Eco Development Committees. Since its inception, the project has supported over 5,100 Self Help Groups, most of which are women-led, with income-generating activities. In 2024-25, through inter-sectoral convergence, INR 34.62 crores were mobilized benefiting over 1.1 lakh people. Additionally, revolving fund support was extended to more than 2,100 beneficiaries to carry out various livelihood activities.
Ama Jangal Yojana
3.11.10 Ama Jangal Yojana (AJY) focuses on participatory and sustainable forest management, alongside providing alternative livelihood options to forest fringe communities. Covering 22 Territorial and Wildlife Divisions, AJY works closely with local Vana Surakshya Samitis (VSSs) under the Joint Forest Management framework. It supports over 4,600 VSSs, reaching more than 4.2 lakh households and 14,000 Women Self Help Groups across more than 3 lakh hectares of assigned forest land. The program has successfully implemented Assisted Natural Regeneration and Block Plantation activities, along with infrastructure development for forest protection and community welfare. AJY prioritizes reducing dependence on forest resources by promoting income-generation activities such as poultry, goat rearing, pisciculture, and mushroom cultivation, often in convergence with other government departments and partner NGOs. In 2024-25, AJY mobilized INR 267.79 crores benefiting over 5.3 lakh people.
B. Wildlife Protection and Conservation
3.11.11 Odisha, with 37.6 per cent forest cover, is a biodiversity hotspot featuring tropical forests, wetlands, and coastal mangroves. These ecosystems shelter iconic species such as the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, Olive Ridley sea turtles, and Indian pangolin among others. The state has designated 8,380.7 sq km as protected areas, covering 13.7 per cent of its forest area and 5.4 per cent of its total geographical area for wildlife conservation.
3.11.12 Government of Odisha is implementing several key initiatives to promote wildlife conservation and improve habitat management. Some of them are as follows:
- Digital Infrastructure: The Forest Department has improved wildlife conservation through digital tools and habitat management. Key platforms include the integrated Wildlife Management System (iWLMS) with modules like PRAHAR for monthly wildlife reports, HAWK for monitoring offence cases, and squad tracking for field accountability. An automated Entry Ticket portal enables online fee collection and e-ticketing for zoos and sanctuaries.
- Habitat Improvement: The department allocates 20 per cent of funds under Regional Wildlife Management Plans (RWLMP) and State Specific Wildlife Conservation Plans (SSWLCP) for
habitat improvement. Elephant habitats are classified as Good, Medium, or Poor based on forage, water, cover, and disturbance. Restoration focuses on planting bamboo, Ficus, and elephant food plants in degraded areas.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Focused efforts reduce human-elephant conflicts and aid affected communities. The ‘Jana Surakhya Gaja Rakhya’ scheme helps install solar-powered fencing to protect crops and property. It follows a public-private partnership model. Communities contribute 10 per cent and individuals 50 per cent of costs. Approved vendors installed 177.24 km of fencing in 2023-24.
- Compensation and Support: ANUKAMPA app, launched in 2021 and upgraded in 2025, digitizes claim submission, verification, and payment. It ensures fast and transparent relief for wildlife-affected persons. In 2024-25, about 82,035 claims were settled, disbursing INR 51.96 crore directly to beneficiaries
C. Climate Change
3.11.13 Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities. Odisha’s strategic location on India’s eastern coast makes it highly vulnerable to climate risks such as rising sea levels, changing rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, and extreme weather events like cyclones. These challenges threaten the state’s sustainable development across agriculture, energy, transportation, water resources, health, and infrastructure sectors. To tackle these issues, Odisha has implemented several proactive measures, including a comprehensive climate action plan and climate budgeting.
3.11.14 Odisha was among the early states to adopt a State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), first implemented during 2010-2015 and revised for 2021-2030. Aligned with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, the SAPCC covers 12 priority sectors. It focuses on forest enhancement, disaster resilience, renewable energy, electric mobility, sustainable mining, waste management, and climate-smart agriculture, with high-level monitoring of progress.
3.11.15 To advance its climate goals and support India’s net-zero commitments, Odisha is expanding its solar and wind energy capacity. Emission reduction efforts include the Odisha Vehicle Scrapping Policy, 2022, which mandates phasing out vehicles older than 15 years, alongside incentives for electric vehicles, batteries, and charging infrastructure to promote clean mobility.
3.11.16 Odisha has mainstreamed climate priorities into fiscal planning through Climate Budget Tagging (CBT), aligning public expenditures with the SAPCC and enabling systematic tracking of climate-related spending. Between 2023-24 (RE) and 2024-25 (BE), climate-aligned allocations increased significantly.
3.11.17 In the Climate Budget for FY 2025-26, a significant increase in climate change expenditure is observed across key departments of the State. Under Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment
department, the allocation has increased from INR 11850 crore (RE) to INR 13817 crore (BE), reflecting an enhancement of INR 2023 crore (17.07 per cent). Similarly, the energy department has witnessed an increase from INR 3300 crore (RE) to INR 3875 crore (BE), marking an additional INR 575 crore (17.42 per cent). The commerce & Transport department allocation has risen from INR 3300 (RE) to INR 3666 crore (BE), indicating an increase of INR 336 crore (11.09 per cent). Further, the Water Resources department shows a substantial rise from INR 10400 crore (RE) to INR 13000 crore (BE), accounting for an increase of INR 2600 crore (25 per cent). These enhanced allocations underscores the State’s strengthened commitment towards climate resilience, mitigation, and adaptation initiatives across the sectors in Odisha.
Box 3.8: Climate Resilience and Coastal Adaption
The Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) project, supported by the Green Climate Fund, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and UNDP, is being implemented in Odisha from June 2019 to June 2027 with a total funding of INR 261.44 crore. It is a coastal adaptation initiative focused on building resilience among vulnerable coastal populations, especially women. ECRICC employs an ecosystem-centered, community-based approach. In Odisha, the project covers seven landscapes across four coastal districts: Balasore, Puri, Kendrapada, and Ganjam. Key activities include the restoration of mangroves, seagrass, saltmarshes, and coastal watersheds in the Chilika-Ganjam landscape achieving the target of 300 hectares. Restoration has been initiated in partnership with IIT Bhubaneswar with an overall target while saltmarsh restoration has started in coastal district with a target of 500 hectares both supported by government task forces for long-term sustainability. Climate-adaptive livelihoods in fisheries and agriculture to enhance income diversity and strengthen resilience. Mud crab farming increased to 71 units supported by Marine Products Export Development Authority and RGCA, while a crab hatchery at Paradeep is being established to secure seed supply to the crab farmers. Ornamental fisheries (61 units) were operationalized with technical support from ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture Seaweed farming covered 70 farmers in Puri and Ganjam. Grassroots governance has been strengthened through engagement with PRIs, SHGs, and community institutions. The project groomed 304 Climate Champions, mostly women as grassroot leaders. Further, capacity-building programs have reached 32813 community members, including 24344 women.
ECRICC received the First Prize in the Government sector for outstanding contribution in Climate Resilient Aquaculture at Seafood Expo Bharat 2025. The ECRICC project was showcased in the international documentary series ‘an Optimist’s Guide to the Planet’ hosted by UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. ECRICC Climate Champions participated and felicitated at the International Coastal Cleanup Day celebration at Puri.
3.12 CONCLUSION
3.12.1 Agriculture and allied sectors form a critical foundation of Odisha’s economy, contributing around one-fifth of the state’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) and employing nearly half of the total workforce. Crop sub-sector accounts for a high share of more than 60 per cent in agriculture and allied GSVA. However, this heavy reliance on crops also indicates an opportunity and urgent need to accelerate growth in allied activities such as livestock and fisheries. These sectors not only offer diversification but also the potential to significantly increase overall agricultural output and improve farm incomes, especially for smallholder and marginal farmers dependent on multiple sources of livelihood.
3.12.2 Rice plays a central role in Odisha’s agrarian landscape, accounting for 44 percent of the state’s Gross Cropped Area (GCA) in 2024-25. It is the staple food crop and a key driver of rural economies. Nonetheless, the state is gradually moving towards diversification into higher-value and climate-resilient crops in response to changing market demands and environmental challenges. These include oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and millets, crops that have the potential to offer better returns per unit area and contribute to nutritional security. Despite these positive trends, the acreage under such high-value crops remains relatively low, indicating scope for further expansion. A significant challenge Odisha faces is that crop yields continue to lag behind national averages, limiting income growth for farmers and constraining food production. The promotion of good agronomic practices expanded irrigation coverage, and access to quality seeds are essential for improving yields and sustaining growth.
3.12.3 Agriculture and allied sector exports registered an impressive growth of more than 12 per cent in the last five years. However, the State’s export basket is highly concentrated. Marine products and rice constitute 99 per cent of the State’s exports. Odisha has competitive advantage in various agricultural commodities such as mango, cashew, spices, potato, turmeric, and coffee among others. To unlock the export potential of these commodities, the State needs to address export barriers across various stages of supply chain. By diversifying exports and supporting farmers with better facilities and training, Odisha can strengthen its global market presence and boost incomes.
3.12.4 There is a growing demand for animal-based products such as milk, meat and egg in the State. The production of these items has significantly improved over time, but their per capita availability remains below the national average and recommended levels. To bridge this gap, there is a need to improve yield by enhancing production efficiency, improving livestock management practices, and expanding access to quality inputs.
3.12.5 To sustain agricultural growth and elevate farmers’ incomes, Odisha must prioritize accelerating crop diversification, improving agricultural marketing, and expanding farm mechanization. Additionally, fostering agripreneurship and strengthening value chains will be crucial, alongside further development of livestock sector. In light of escalating climate change risks, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices is essential to lower the carbon footprint and build resilience against environmental shocks. Collectively, these strategic initiatives will form the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous agricultural economy in Odisha.
