Empowering Women in Agriculture: A New Partnership for Sustainable Livelihoods

The Mission Shakti department has partnered with ICRISAT to enhance women-led agricultural enterprises in Odisha. This collaboration aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for self-help group members by promoting climate-resilient farming practices and providing essential training. The initiative will focus on various projects, including the removal of aquatic weeds for value-added products and the production of biochar to improve soil health. With a commitment to empowering women farmers, this partnership seeks to strengthen economic independence and contribute to broader developmental missions in the state.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 09:57 IST

Strengthening Women-Led Agri-Enterprises in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Friday, the Mission Shakti department entered into a memorandum of understanding with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) aimed at bolstering women-led agricultural enterprises and fostering sustainable livelihood opportunities for self-help group (SHG) members throughout the state.

This agreement signifies the start of a strategic alliance focused on promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, enhancing value addition, and supporting market-driven agri-businesses run by women. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures including Mission Shakti Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Manasi Nimbal, Director Monika Priyadarshini, and ICRISAT Deputy Director General Stanford Blade. Nimbal emphasized the importance of equipping women farmers with modern knowledge, scientific advancements, and robust market connections to tackle the increasing challenges brought on by climate change.

She expressed optimism that this collaboration with ICRISAT would empower millions of women SHG members involved in agriculture across Odisha, helping them to thrive as successful agri-entrepreneurs. This initiative is expected to not only enhance women's economic independence but also align with the goals of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’, ‘Viksit Bharat’, and ‘Viksit Odisha’ missions. The agreement outlines the implementation of district-specific agricultural projects statewide to encourage sustainable farming methods and rural entrepreneurship.

In Puri and Khordha, the initiative will focus on removing aquatic weeds from water bodies and transforming them into value-added products, thereby creating sustainable livelihoods for women while aiding in the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.

In Rayagada, the project will concentrate on generating biochar from cotton stalks and pigeon pea residues to boost soil fertility and enhance carbon sequestration. Additionally, the program will promote the cultivation of high-quality grafted vegetable seedlings across the three project districts. Women SHG members will receive training in millet cultivation, pulse and oilseed production, and natural farming techniques. The partnership will also advocate for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies developed by ICRISAT, alongside digital advisory services and improved seed varieties to increase productivity and resilience.

To fortify the agricultural value chain, women SHGs will be provided with technical and business support in areas such as packaging, branding, and market connections, enabling them to create sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprises.