SDS promotes CRFM Mayurbhanj (Climate Resilient Farming Model) as an integrated and sustainable agricultural development initiative aimed at strengthening climate adaptation, improving productivity, and enhancing livelihood security in the Mayurbhanj region.

Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India is one of the largest districts in Odisha with a predominantly tribal population, forest-based ecosystems, and rainfed agriculture. Farmers in this region face challenges such as erratic rainfall, low soil fertility in some areas, wildlife pressure, and limited irrigation facilities. CRFM Mayurbhanj addresses these constraints through a diversified and climate-smart farming approach.

The model focuses on promoting climate-resilient agriculture practices, including drought-tolerant and short-duration crop varieties, millet-based farming systems, soil conservation measures, and organic and bio-input-based agriculture. Special emphasis is given to traditional crops and millets, which are well-suited to local agro-ecological conditions.

Under SDS interventions, CRFM Mayurbhanj strengthens Producer Groups (PGs), Agriculture Production Clusters (APCs), Community Managed Seed Centers (CMSCs), and Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) to ensure access to quality inputs, mechanization support, and collective farming systems.

The model also promotes livelihood diversification through agroforestry, livestock, and minor forest produce (MFP)-based activities, helping tribal communities improve income stability and reduce dependence on a single source of livelihood.

Additional focus is placed on soil health improvement, water conservation, seed systems strengthening, millet promotion, and farmer capacity building through training, demonstrations, and field-based learning.

Program Interventions

• Promotion of millet-based and drought-resilient cropping systems
• Adoption of climate-smart and organic farming practices
• Soil and water conservation measures in rainfed areas
• Strengthening PGs, APCs, CMSCs, and CHCs
• Promotion of agroforestry and livestock integration
• Farmer training, demonstrations, and extension support

Impact

• Improved resilience to rainfall variability and climate stress
• Increased agricultural productivity in rainfed systems
• Enhanced livelihood diversification for tribal households
• Strengthened community-based farming institutions
• Promotion of sustainable and traditional farming systems

Overview

CRFM Mayurbhanj under SDS provides a holistic climate-smart agriculture framework that integrates traditional knowledge, sustainable farming practices, and institutional strengthening to build resilient and self-reliant rural livelihoods in tribal regions.