Bhubaneswar: The govt on Wednesday launched the findings of an evaluation of the department of agriculture and farmers’ empowerment’s comprehensive rice fallow management (CRFM) programme. Deputy chief minister and agriculture and farmers’ empowerment minister K V Singh Deo said, “Odisha is committed towards a data-driven inclusive agricultural transformation pathway. Evaluations of this stature help the department make informed decisions that strengthen rural livelihoods and support our farmers.” The study was conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
CRFM is aimed at promoting the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds in post-monsoon (Rabi season) rice fallow land across the state. The evaluation, based on a combination of satellite data, administrative data, and rigorous impact evaluation techniques, offers early insights into patterns of land use, crop productivity and the inclusion of smallholders and marginalised communities, official sources said.
The CRFM programme is currently operational across all 30 districts.