An inter-departmental review meeting on the implementation of the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA) was held in Bhubaneswar with a focus on strengthening irrigation infrastructure and promoting integrated development in agriculture, horticulture and fisheries.
The meeting was chaired by Principal Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Shubha Sarma. Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, Girish S. N., were also present.
The meeting reviewed the overall progress of OIIPCRA, including its financial components and activities being implemented by various departments and partner institutions.
Focus on Inter-Departmental Coordination
OIIPCRA involves coordinated participation from the Departments of Water Resources, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Horticulture and Fisheries, along with APICOL, Minor Irrigation and the Odisha Community Tank Development and Management Society.
Officials stressed the need for stronger coordination among departments to effectively link irrigation facilities with agricultural production and livelihood opportunities for farmers.
The implementation of the Pulse Production Improvement Initiative in irrigated areas was also discussed during the meeting.
Tank Development and Integrated Livelihoods
The status of civil works, tank improvement and digital mapping of tanks under Minor Irrigation and OCCL was reviewed.
Officials discussed the need to use improved tanks not only for water conservation but also to promote agriculture and fisheries in surrounding areas. The possibility of developing an integrated livelihood model combining fish farming in tanks with suitable crop cultivation on adjoining lands was also explored.
GCF Project Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the GCF project and discussed necessary administrative arrangements to ensure continuity of project activities.
The meeting was attended by Director, Agriculture & Food Production Shubham Saxena, Director, Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director, Fisheries Siddhartha Das, Director, Special Projects, PR & DW Department Siddharth Shankar Swain, Project Director, OIIPCRA Sabita Mallick, and Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary Bighnaraj Purohit, along with senior officials from the concerned departments and partner institutions.