Odisha's Model for Food Security in the Face of Climate Change Challenges : Daily News Analysis

Date : 13/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 3- Economy - Food Security

Keywords: COP 28, Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA), Public Distribution System (PDS), National Food Security Act, 2013, World Food Programme (WFP)

Context-

The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai has brought global attention to the urgent need for effective strategies to address the worsening impact of the climate crisis.
As leaders grapple with the alarming projections, Odisha's transformative journey emerges as a beacon of hope and a model for creating food security grounded in equity and sustainability.

Food Security-

Food security refers to the consistent availability of food and the ability of individuals to access it. It entails ensuring that people have an adequate and steady supply of safe and nutritious food throughout the year.
Acrding to the World Food Programme, there are 195 million undernourished individuals in India, with 43% of children experiencing chronic undernourishment.
In the Global Food Security Index 2022, India is ranked 68th out of 113 major countries.

Why there is a need to ensure food security?

India faces the imperative of ensuring food security due to factors such as a burgeoning population, low agricultural productivity, climate change impacts, water scarcity, land degradation, and storage inefficiencies.
These challenges exacerbate poverty and inequality, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.

To address these issues, India can adopt various strategies:

Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Encourage organic farming, agroforestry, and integrated pest management to enhance productivity and resilience while minimizing environmental impact.
Irrigation and Water Management: Improve irrigation infrastructure, promote water-efficient technologies, and implement water harvesting techniques to mitigate the impact of erratic rainfall patterns.
Research and Technology: Invest in research for high-yielding and climate-resistant crop varieties, and promote the adoption of modern technologies like precision agriculture and remote sensing.
Climate Change Adaptation: Implement crop diversification, rotation, and agroecological practices. Develop early warning systems for extreme weather events.
Storage and Cold Chain Infrastructure: Invest in modern storage and cold chain facilities to reduce food losses and wastage.
Strengthening Food Distribution Systems: Enhance efficiency in food distribution through improved logistics, supply chain management, and market linkages.

The Government of India has initiated several programs to ensure food security, including

National Food Security Act, 2013
Public Distribution System (PDS)
Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
National Nutrition Strategy
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

Agricultural Transformation in Odisha:

In the last two decades, Odisha has undergone a remarkable shift in its agricultural landscape. From being a net importer of rice to achieving its highest production on record in 2022, the state has demonstrated a robust agricultural transformation. Notably, this achievement is led by small and marginal farmers, contributing to increased productivity despite stable crop areas.

Rice Yield Surge: In 2000-01, Odisha's average rice yield was 10.41 quintals per hectare, and by 2020-21, it soared to an impressive 27.30 quintals per hectare. Kalahandi district, once known as the "land of hunger," has become Odisha's rice bowl, a testament to the state's commitment to achieving the 'Zero Hunger' goal of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.
Empowering Small and Marginal Farmers: Initiatives such as Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) have focused on improving the income of small and marginal farmers, directly contributing to enhanced food security and resilient livelihoods.
Crop Diversification and Climate Resilience: Flagship schemes like the Odisha Millet Mission have successfully diversified crops, promoting climate resilience in the agricultural sector. Scientific crop management practices, disseminated through conventional and digital extension methods, have played a pivotal role in increasing non-paddy crop cultivation.

Resilience and Sustainability Initiatives:

Given Odisha's vulnerability to climate change, the state has proactively developed a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan spanning various sectors. This bottom-up approach emphasizes community involvement and resilience-building measures.

Comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan: Odisha's plan covers sectors such as agriculture, coastal zone protection, energy, fisheries, health, industries, mining, transport, and water resources, reflecting a holistic approach. Developed by experts and incorporating civil society inputs, the plan is implemented by various departments and monitored by a committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
Community-Driven Climate Resilience: The Crop Weather Watch Group conducts regular meetings and field visits, utilizing video conferences to monitor crop programs. This community-driven approach enables timely responses to adverse weather conditions like cyclones, floods, and droughts.
Adoption of Climate-Resilient Practices: At the district level, officials plan crops considering agro-climatic zones, promoting climate-resilient cultivation practices. Farmers are trained in integrated farming, zero-input-based natural farming, water-saving devices, e-pest surveillance, and large-scale farm mechanization.

Social Protection Initiatives:

Odisha's success in agricultural transformation has positioned it as a surplus state for paddy production. Collaborations with international organizations, such as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), have led to innovative schemes enhancing food and nutrition security.

Biometric Technology and Fortification: The partnership with WFP has resulted in innovative pilots, including the application of biometric technology in the Targeted Public Distribution System and rice fortification, improving food and nutrition security.
National Food Security Act Ranking: In the State Ranking Index for the National Food Security Act, Odisha emerged as the top-ranked state in 2022, showcasing the effectiveness of its food security initiatives.
Collaboration with WFP: The ongoing collaboration with WFP on food security, livelihood, and climate resilience initiatives underscores Odisha's commitment to international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Conclusion

Odisha's transformative journey from a state grappling with food grain scarcity to becoming a surplus producer is a testament to its visionary policies and community-driven initiatives. By climate-proofing its agricultural system, diversifying crops, and prioritizing the welfare of smallholders, Odisha presents a unique development model. As the world grapples with the challenges of global climate change threatening food productivity, Odisha's comprehensive approach serves as a blueprint for other states to build resilience, ensure food security, and foster sustainable development in the face of an uncertain climate future.

Probable Questions for UPSC mains Exam-

Define food security and outline the strategies and schemes adopted by states to address food security concerns in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
What are some key strategies employed by Odisha in its agricultural transformation to achieve a significant increase in rice yield and contribute to the state's food security? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Source- The Hindu