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

Gajapati, Odisha, India is a predominantly tribal and hilly district where agriculture is largely rainfed and vulnerable to challenges such as soil erosion, land degradation, limited irrigation facilities, and climate variability. CRFM Gajapati is designed to address these challenges through sustainable, community-driven, and resource-efficient farming systems.

The model emphasizes the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices, including drought-tolerant and short-duration crop varieties, mixed cropping systems, soil conservation measures, and efficient water management techniques. It also promotes diversification into allied activities such as livestock, agroforestry, and horticulture to ensure income stability for farming households.

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

Special focus is given to watershed development, rainwater harvesting structures, bio-input adoption, seed replacement programs, and farmer capacity building through training, demonstrations, and field-based learning approaches.

Program Interventions

• Promotion of climate-resilient and diversified cropping systems
• Introduction of drought-tolerant and improved crop varieties
• Soil and water conservation measures (bunding, contour farming, etc.)
• Strengthening PGs, APCs, CMSCs, and CHCs
• Promotion of bio-inputs and sustainable farming practices
• Training, demonstrations, and farmer field schools

Impact

• Improved resilience to climate change and rainfall variability
• Increased agricultural productivity in rainfed areas
• Enhanced soil and water resource conservation
• Strengthened farmer institutions and collective systems
• Improved income stability and livelihood diversification

Overview

CRFM Gajapati under SDS provides a comprehensive climate-smart agriculture framework that integrates sustainable farming practices, natural resource management, and institutional strengthening to build resilient and sustainable rural livelihoods in tribal and hilly regions.