The ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) successfully rolled out agro-forestry interventions and initiated a comprehensive household survey under the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Project (OADMP) from September 9 to 11, 2026. Designed to promote efficient land utilization and provide a robust support system for the farming community, the program targeted 26 villages across three Gram Panchayats in the Raruan Block of Mayurbhanj District, Odisha.

During this programme, ICAR-CRIDA scientists allocated a total of 5,979 high-quality fruit tree seedlings to 500 interested beneficiaries, including 1,500 K-Lime, 1,500 Papaya (Red baby), 1,429 Moringa (PKM-1), 1,000 Coconut (Sakhigopal), and 550 different Mango grafts. The agroforestry experts (Dr K B Sridhar and Dr G Venkatesh) also conducted live demonstrations on proper planting techniques for these five distinct fruit tree species, highlighting the long-term economic and nutritional benefits of maintaining fruit trees in homestead gardens.

In parallel with the agricultural distribution, a specialized training program was organized for data enumerators to ensure the smooth execution of the household survey. Led by Dr. Anshida Beevi C.N., Senior Scientist (Agricultural Extension) and Co-PI, the training sessions took place at the Tilakuti and Godapalsa Gram Panchayats.

The program was highly supported by local agricultural leadership, featuring the active participation of Block Agriculture Officer Shri. Satyabrata Sardar Singh, Block Technology Manager Shri.Gurucharan Mohanta, Assistant Agriculture Officer Smt. Puspita, and dedicated Village Committee members.

Following the successful completion of the training briefing, the enumerators officially commenced the field survey operations, starting door-to-door data collection in the villages of Godapalsa and Retesahi, with a target to cover a total of 2,000 households in due course of time.