While rice remains the predominant crop in Odisha state, there are ample opportunities for profitable vegetable production for farmers who have the skills, knowledge, and determination. In eastern Odisha, pumpkin has become an especially popular crop. Add number of farmers reached.
In June 2022, EWS-KT opened the Center of Excellence (CoE) learning farm in Keonjhar to model improved vegetable farming practices. The CoE provides practical training to stakeholders such as farmers, agriculture students, and NGO staff, and offers informational tours to government officials and other interested parties.
Since the CoE’s inception, more than 1,000 farmers have adopted new vegetable farming techniques and increased their yield with guidance from the CoE’s crop demonstrations and technical staff. As seasonal rainfall patterns continue to shift, the CoE includes water conservation and management methods that help farmers cope with climate change.
Action research projects at the CoE help EWS-KT to customize vegetable production practices for local farmers. Current and recent action research topics include green manuring and nature-based solutions for bacterial wilt.
Context and Project Objective
Expected Outcomes
EWS-KT Partners
Funded solely by East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation.
Project Period
Since 2016
Location
India: Odisha
