The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, recently launched a Compendium of Regenerative Agriculture. The launch took place during the International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods in Bhubaneshwar, a high-profile event attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other distinguished officials.
Dr. Arabinda K. Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, Odisha, along with Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary of MSME and Energy, and agricultural experts including Dr. Tara Satyavathi from ICAR-IIMR and Dr. M.L. Jat of ICRISAT, officially launched the compendium. This publication is part of ICRISAT's innovative project on carbon credits, supported by Odisha's Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment. It also aligns with the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology to guide sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Dr. Padhee highlighted Odisha's leadership in sustainable farming, describing the compendium as a valuable resource for promoting regenerative agricultural practices. He noted its importance for vital crops such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds, and highlighted its role in helping extension agencies, farmers, and policymakers adopt sustainable farming methods on a larger scale.
The compendium introduces five core principles of regenerative agriculture: minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing crop diversity, maintaining soil cover, keeping living roots in the soil year-round, and integrating livestock. These practices are designed to improve soil health, boost carbon sequestration, and enhance resilience to climate change.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim of ICRISAT, commended Odisha’s dedication to sustainability. He emphasized the initiative's potential to uplift farmers' livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and fortify community resilience.
Over 400 participants, including representatives from FAO, WFP, CGIAR, ICAR, and Farmer Producer Organizations, attended the symposium.
