Rice cultivation is a mainstay in Odisha, but the fallow period after harvest presents a challenge. However, the state is turning this into an opportunity by promoting rice fallow management. This technique utilises residual soil moisture to cultivate short-duration pulses and oilseed crops during the Rabi season.
Odisha boasts over six million hectares of cultivable land, with rice dominating crop choices. While rice ensures food security, limited irrigation during Rabi (winter) restricts diversification. Traditionally, coastal areas practised Paira, where pulses were sown in standing paddy fields before harvest. However, climate change has impacted this practice according to a report published in Down to Earth.
Research by ICRISAT, IRRI, and OUAT estimates that roughly 1.6 million hectares of land lie fallow after rice cultivation. Importantly, around 1 million hectares hold the potential for cultivating pulses and oilseeds during Rabi, leveraging the remaining moisture.
Recognising this potential, the Odisha government launched the "Comprehensive Project on Rice Fallow Management" in the 2022-23 Rabi season. The initial success, covering 70,000 hectares, led to a significant scale-up to 382,000 hectares in the ongoing season, with a target of 400,000 hectares across all 30 districts.
The program aims to optimise residual moisture use, increase cropping intensity, boost pulse and oilseed production, improve soil health, and establish better market linkages for farmers. Eight crops, including green gram, black gram, and mustard, are prioritised, with local green gram varieties showing promising results. Studies are ongoing to evaluate the performance of various landraces.
Farmers like Lochan Guria and Pandam Patel are now cultivating Bengal gram and green gram after their rice harvest, generating additional income and reducing reliance on market purchases.
The initiative emphasises eco-friendly practices. Bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, and integrated pest management techniques like light traps are promoted to reduce chemical dependence and enhance ecosystem health. Additionally, balanced nutrient management through micronutrient application helps improve yields and agricultural resilience.
To address soil acidity, a limiting factor for non-paddy crops, the program provides dolomitic limestone for soil amelioration in 17 districts across 160,000 hectares. Farmers receive crop-specific and timely advisories through the state's Ama Krushi call centre and Krushi Samiksha Kendra feedback system.
Odisha's rice fallow management program is the largest regenerative crop demonstration in India. It not only promotes sustainable practices but also sets a precedent for nationwide adoption. This initiative aligns with the state's focus on climate resilience, nutrition security, and diversification through programs like the Odisha Millets Mission and integrated farming practices.