Bhubaneswar, September 18: An inter-departmental review meeting of the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA) was held under the chairpersonship of Water Resources Secretary Shubha Sarma. The meeting focused on strengthening irrigation infrastructure and promoting the integrated development of agriculture, horticulture and fisheries.

Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, and Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Secretary Girish S. N., were present at the meeting.

A key feature of OIIPCRA was the coordinated participation of multiple departments and partner institutions. The Department of Water Resources, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Horticulture, Fisheries, APICOL, Minor Irrigation and Odisha Community Tank Development and Management Society are working together towards integrated implementation of the project. This convergence was aimed at linking irrigation facilities with agricultural production and livelihood opportunities for farmers.

The meeting reviewed the overall project status, financial components and progress of activities being implemented by different departments. Emphasis was laid on stronger inter-departmental coordination to link irrigation facilities with agricultural production and livelihoods. The implementation of the Pulse Production Improvement Initiative in irrigated areas was also discussed.

The status of civil works, tank improvement and digital mapping of tanks under Minor Irrigation and OCCL was also reviewed. Emphasis was laid on utilising improved tanks not only for water conservation but also for promoting agriculture and fisheries in the adjoining areas. The possibility of developing an integrated livelihood model combining fish farming in tanks with suitable crop cultivation in surrounding lands was discussed.

The meeting also reviewed matters relating to the GCF project and its implementation, including necessary administrative arrangements for ensuring continuity of project activities.

The meeting was attended by Director, Agriculture & Food Production, Shubham Saxena; Director, Horticulture, Kalunge Gorakh Waman; Director, Fisheries, Siddhartha Das; Director, Special Projects, PR & DW Department, Siddharth Shankar Swain, Project Director, OIIPCRA, Sabita Mallick, Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary Er. Bighnaraj Purohit along with senior officials of the concerned departments and partner institutions.