About Department

Agriculture is the backbone of the rural economy, a Directorate of Developments, later renamed
as Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, was established before independence i.e. in
1945 including horticulture and soil conservation as two vital wings. Horticulture and Soil
Conservation separated in 1977 and 1978 respectively. The Directorate of Horticulture was born
in 1977 following the separation from the Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production.
Similarly, the Directorate of Soil Conservation was formed in 1978 as per Govt. G.O. No.
14830/AC/Resolution dated 29th April 1978. Odisha Watershed Development Mission was
formed as a registered society under the Agriculture Department on 30th June 2000. Now the
mission is merged with soil conservation and renamed as Directorate of Soil Conservation and
Watershed Development.

Presently, the Department has three imperative directorates, i.e. Directorate of Agriculture and
Food Production (DA&FP), Directorate of Horticulture (DoH) and Directorate of Soil
Conservation & Watershed Development (DSC&WD), autonomous institutes of research and
pieces of training like Institute on Management of Agricultural Extension (IMAGE), Odisha
University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Regional Institution on Training & Extension
(RITE), Minor Irrigation & Water Use Training Institute, State Seed Testing Laboratory,
Agricultural Implement Factory, Pulse Research Station at Nayagarh, Research on Agricultural
Implements, Bhubaneswar and number of district-level Adaptive Research Stations.

Apart from this, four Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) namely, Odisha State Seeds
Corporation (OSSC), Odisha Agro Industries Corporation (OAIC), Agriculture Promotion and
Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL), Odisha State Cashew Development
Corporation (OSCDC) and autonomous registered societies like Odisha State Seed & Organic
Products Certification Agency (OSSOPCA) are also functioning under the department.

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)

In 1956, Dr. J.H. Longwell from the University of Misouri visited Odisha and had discussion with
the State Government which resulted in a contract between the Government of India and the
University of Missouri to provide assistance to the Agriculture and Veterinary Colleges of the
State. In 1960, a decision was taken to establish an Agricultural University in Odisha in the
pattern of the Land Grant Colleges of USA and Dr. Ide P. Trotter joined the Utkal Krishi
Mahavidyalaya on 1st April, 1960, as a consultant in Educational Administration. President
Elmer Ellies of the University of Missouri, visited the Agriculture and Veterinary Colleges of
Odisha in 1961 and had discussion with the State Government for establishment of the Odisha
University of Agriculture and Technology.

In 1961, the Legislature of the State of Odisha enacted the Odisha University of Agriculture and
Technology Act, 1961 (Odisha Act 20 of 1961) with the object of establishing and incorporating
a University of Agriculture and Technology for the agricultural education of the people of the
State. The University took its birth on 24th August, 1962 when it was inaugurated by Prof. John
K. Galbraith, the then U.S. Ambassador in India. The University came into operation from 1st
February, 1963, when the two Govt. managed Colleges, the Utkal KrushiMahavidyalaya and the
Odisha College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry with their staff were transferred to
the University. This Act passed in 1961, was later repealed in 1965 by the Odisha University of
Agriculture and Technology Act, 1665 )Odisha Act, 17 of 1965) which came into fore from the
3rd November, 1965.

The University started a College of Basic Science and Humanities with the Pre-University
Science class sin 1964 and in the following year the Pre-professional science class was added.
The College of Agriculture Engineering and Technology came up in the year 1966.

In 1981, another College of Agriculture was started at Chiplima. In the same year, the College
of Engg. & Tech., College of Home Science, College of Fisheries, Rangeilunda and PG Deptt. of
Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar were established. In 1986, the Department of Forestry was started
to offer the Bachelor's degree in Forestry under the College of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar.

In February, 1963, the State owned Agricultural Research Station at Bhubaneswar was
transferred to OUAT. Subsequently, Berhampur, Jaypore, Chiplima, Kendrapara, Pottangi and
Jashipur Research Stations were brought under the University. As the research areas were
extended to more disciplines through aegis of several All India Co-ordinated Research Projects
and ad-hoc schemes funded by ICAR, Govt. of India and other agencies, more research
stations were established.

In 1978, four Regional Research Stations were established under the "Odisha Agriculture
Development Project (OADP) with World Bank funding at Bhubaneswar, Chiplima, Keonjhar and
Semiliguda to undertake location specific research. Another 13 Adaptive Research Stations,
one in each of the old revenue districts of the State were established to verify the research
results generated in the Regional Research Stations.

From 1983 to 1995, the University research capability was further strengthened through
implementation of the National Agriculture Research Project (NARP). Four Zonal Research
Stations at Ranital, G.Udayagiri, Bhawanipatna and Mahisapt, four Zonal Substations at Kirei,
Kalimela, Umerkote, and Motto and one commodity Research Station on Sugarcane at
Nayagarh were established. Besides, the Maize research station at Joshipur, Species research
station at Pottangi and the Jute and allied fibre research station at Kendrapara are functioning
under the University.

The extension education programme of the University was operating in several villages of the
State to help the farmers to help themselves. From 1982 to 1995, the extension programme was
further strengthened through establishment of eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Koraput, Keonjhar,
Balasore, Ganjam, Bargarh, Phulbani, Kalahandi and Kendrapara)

Odisha Agro Industries Corporation Limited (OAIC)

The Odisha Agro Industries Corporation Limited was incorporated on 17.12.1968 as a

Government Company with equity participation from the Central Government and the
Government of Odisha. This corporation is under the administrative control of the Agriculture
Department in Govt. of Odisha and engaged in executing different schemes, programmes of
different departments of the state like Agriculture, Water Resources, Forest and Environment,
Rural Development, Industries, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste Development,
Panchayati Raj, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development etc. This Corporation has been
engaged in carrying out different activities as under:

​ To create and develop irrigation sources for providing irrigation facilities to non-irrigated
agricultural land in the State.
​ To provide types of equipment and system to farmers for optimal utilization of available
water for irrigation.
​ Supply and installation of electric and diesel pump sets.
​ Supply and installation of sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation system.
​ Sale of Tractor.
​ Sale of power tiller & power reaper.
​ Sale of improved Agrl. implements.
​ Sale of P.P. Equipments
​ Sale of storage bins.
​ The hiring of Bulldozer and Air compressor.
​ Manufacturing and marketing of biofertilizer, compound feed for cattle, poultry, duck,
deer etc.
​ Sale-of-Chemical-Fertilizer, P.P Chemicals, Gypsum and other Agro inputs.

Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL)

The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL) was
incorporated on 01.03.1996 to bring enterprise into agriculture as envisaged in the State
Agriculture Policy 1996. It started functioning on 01-06-1996 with the sole objective of promoting
agro-based industries/food processing industries including commercial
agriculture/horticulture/animal husbandry/fisheries, in broad terms to promote investment in
Agriculture and allied sectors.

The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited(APICOL), a

Government of Odisha undertaking, coming up as a promotional organisation for assisting
agricultural enterprises in the state of Odisha. APICOL would promote enterprises in agriculture
within the state with suitable guidance for project formulation, counselling, enterprise
development and assistance in project implementation.

The Corporation is also acting as a virtual office of Agriculture and Processed Food Products
Export Development Authority (APEDA) for the state of Odisha and Nodal Office of Small
Farmers Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC). The Corporation is also disbursing subsidies under
various schemes of State Agriculture Policy.

Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation Ltd. (OSCDC)

Odisha State Cashew Development Corporation Ltd. (OSCDC Ltd.) was incorporated under the
Companies Act, 1956 on 6th April 1979 for the development of cashew in the state of Odisha.
The main objective of OSCDC Ltd. is to give a thrust on the development of cashew plantations
and strengthen the economy of the state by commercially exploiting cashew crops in the state.
Initially, OSCDC Ltd. embarked upon its activities in the then 7 nos. of undivided Districts of
Odisha. During its 40 years of existence, OSCDC Ltd. has expanded its activities and is now
having 604 nos. of cashew plantations over the possession area of 27,941.012 hectares under
20 nos. of Revenue districts of the state. In the year 1993, the Government of Odisha have
declared OSCDC Ltd. as the Nodal Agency for cashew cultivation/expansion in the state. The
OSCDC is developing new cashew plantations since 1999-2000 investing its own fund as well
as with partial assistance from the Directorate of Cashew nut & Cocoa Development, GOI. By
the FY 2018-19,8,111.15 hac. new plantations have been developed. The OSCDC Ltd. has 21
nos. of cashew clonal nurseries with a production capacity of 30.00 lakhs high yielding cashew
grafts. The OSCDC Ltd. has its own mango scion banks to produce quality mango grafts and in
the year 2011-12 has established a medicinal plants nursery under the National Mission on
Medicinal Plants (NMMP).

Odisha State Seeds Corporation Limited (OSSC Ltd.)

Seed is the basic and primary input for Agriculture Production. The Odisha State Seeds
Corporation Limited came into existence and was incorporated on 24th February 1978 under
the Companies Act, 1956 with the main objective to produce, multiply, procure, process and
supply Breeder, Foundation and Certified seeds to improve production and productivity in the
state. OSSC is the Nodal Agency catering to the need of farming organizations through debtor
organizations like Director of Agriculture, Director of Horticulture, Department Farms and Private
firms engaged in Seed utilization. OSSC procures Breeder Seeds which is allocated by Govt. of
India in the Agriculture Co-operation Department (Seed division) as the breeder seed is the
most precious resource of the farmers and farming community. Supply, production,
procurement, processing, preservation and promotion of seed development activities take a
major role in the Agriculture scenario. The good seed of improved varieties is one of the most
important agricultural inputs for obtaining increased crop production and giving economic benefit
to the farmers

Odisha State Seed & Organic Products Certification Agency (OSSOPCA)

Odisha State Seed Certification Agency(OSSCA) was formed on 3rd June 1977 and registered
under Societies Registration Act,1860(Reg. No. 12176/1112 dt 14.10.1977), to carry out the
functions of certification Agencies under Seeds Act 1966 in Odisha State w.e.f. 01.09.1978 with
a mandate to maintain and make available to public high quality seeds(with prescribed
standards) and propagating materials of notified kind & varieties so grown and distributed as to
ensure genetic purity through certification. To carry out Organic Certification in the state,
OSSCA has been renamed Odisha State Seed & Organic Products Certification
Agency(OSSOPCA) from which a separate agency has been carved out which is called Odisha
State Organic Certification Agency(OSOCA) for the purpose. Now OSOCA has been accredited
under NPOP to function as Inspection & Certification body for organic crop production with
effect from 01.06.2012.

OSOCA is the abbreviation of Odisha State Organic Certification Agency formed during 2007
as a part of government initiative to provide an institutional mechanism for taking up organic
certification in the state of Odisha. It was carved out of OSSOPCA (Odisha State Seed &
Organic Products Certification Agency) to carry out the function of Inspection & Certification
Body as laid down in the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) with its
headquarter at Plot No. 326, Baramunda, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

OSOCA proposes to provide an institutional mechanism for organic inspection and certification
in the State of Odisha in particular and outside areas in general to ensure better quality organic
products to the consumers. OSOCA assures of globally competitive quality certification services
to the operators through a reliable certification programme formulated by an efficient and
sustainable organizational set-up that provides for consistent degree of non-discrimination,
fairness and transparency with commitment to obtain and maintain accreditation as per NPOP
guidelines.

Institute on Management of Agricultural Extension (IMAGE)

Institute on Management of Agricultural Extension (IMAGE), is an autonomous body registered

under Society Act on state 01-03-1999 with an objective of extending skills, capacities and
modern techniques of agriculture to the farmers of the state. Over the years, IMAGE has been
organising various on-campus and off-campus trainings on agriculture and allied sector themes
apart from extension management. It plays a vital role for funding and monitoring the ATMA
programmes at the state level under the guidance of the State Nodal Officer.

IMAGE is executing a centrally sponsored scheme "Support to State Extension Programme for
Extension Reforms" and state sector schemes like "Ama Krushi and BALARAM" as a nodal
agency in the state. It is also monitoring implementation of the State's own initiative "Ama
Krushi" and over 11 lakh farmers are the active users of the service.

Apart from this, IMAGE as State Resource Centre, is organising MANAGE, Hyderabad
governed distance course "Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers
(DAESI)". IMAGE as the state resource centre and examination centre is organising diploma
courses attempting to strengthen and enhance the capacity of existing extension functionaries.

About Us
Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Odisha started functioning in 1945 with Soil
Conservation and Horticulture as two wings. Directorate of Horticulture and Directorate of Soil
Conservation started functioning independently during 1977 and 1978 respectively. The
mandate of the Directorate is development in agriculture sector through transfer of improved
technologies, timely supply of agricultural inputs to the farmers, capacity building of the
extension personnel and farmers, increasing agricultural production & productivity and over all
development of the economic status of the farmers.

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Odisha Horticulture at a Glance
Potential for Horticulture :

The agro-climatic diversity in the state with its high rain fall distributed over a four month

monsoon and a reasonably moderate winter allows for growing a variety of Horticultural

crops. The normal rainfall received from June to September from South-West monsoon is

immensely suitable for growing perennial fruit crops like mango, litchi, guava, oranges and

limes : annual fruit crops like banana, pineapple and papaya, spices like ginger, turmeric and

chilly, a variety of root and tubers and a whole range of vegetables. The low temperature

existing in hilly areas at higher altitude offer ideal conditions for growing off-season

vegetables. The state thus enjoys a natural comparative advantage for Horticulture with

possibilities for growing a diversified basket of fruits, vegetables, spices, tuber crops and

flowers whose potential has not been fully exploited. Perennial Horticulture crops also help

the farmer to secure against unforeseen droughts. Preferably existing high land of our state

is mostly suitable for cultivation of perennial fruit crops. Likewise large tract of soils in the

state having light textured red soils, with low water holding capacity, low fertility are quite

conducive for growing horticultural tree crops e.g. mango & cashew.

Introduction

In Odisha, the concept of watersheds was first introducted during the 2nd Five
Year Plan [1956 – 61] and refined during the 5th Plan through the Directorate of
Soil Conservation. In the beginning of the 8th Plan, three major projects namely
namely – Integrated Watershed Development Project (IWMP), National Watershed
Development Project for Rainfed Area (NWDPRA) and Indo – Danish
Comprehensive Watershed Development Project (IDCWDP) were launched in the
State with the primary objectives to –
 ● Prevent land degradation
● Promote & Balance the eco – system
● Enhance capacity to retain moisture
● Increase the fertility and productivity of the soil
● Increase ground water recharge with soil conservation measures

Apart from these, watershed development projects were also implemented under
other Schemes including the Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS), Drought Prone
Area Programme (DPAP) and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme
(IWDP) on a watershed basis.

However, all these projects primarily focused on water harvesting structures.

Early indication of participatory development projects in Odisha can be found in
the IFAD supported OTDP projects in Indo – German Watershed Development
(IGWD) projects. Participatory watershed development projects in Odisha evolved
after the introduction of the revised watershed guidelines of 2001 developed by
Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Govt. of India and Janasahabhagita
guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India.

Background of OWDM – Watershed Development programmes funded through

various sources were executed in Odisha through District Rural Development
Agencies (DRDA) and Directorate of Soil Conservation. The execution of watershed
was in adherences to the prescribed guidelines to Govt. of India, management
related gaps persisted in the process of implementation. There was no ‘single
window’ system to monitor all the watersheds implemented under different
government and non-government schemes. Also, convergence in thematic areas,
both technical and non – technical was lacking.

In the year 2000, the Govt of Odisha established the Odisha Watershed
Development Mission (OWDM), as a society under the Societies Registration Act to
plan, coordinate, supervise and monitor all watershed projects with a special focus
on creating an enabling environment for the State to initiate people centered
watershed projects. The OWDM was managing watershed development schemes
under the IWDP, DPAP, ACA, NWDPRA, EAS and WORLP, etc. At present, more
than 3000 watersheds are under implementation throughout Odisha covered
under the Scheme PMKSY (erstwhile IWMP).

The OWDM was created during 2000-01 under the Department of Agriculture. It is
a registered society responsible for planning, monitoring, supervising and
implementing all watershed programmes in a coordinated manner in the State.
OWDM acts as a facilitating organization with the responsibility of creating
knowledge and resources by collaborating with agencies having expertise in
various aspects of watershed development, to function as an integral part of GoO
with adequate operational autonomy regarding interpretation of guidelines and
with the accountability of improving the quality of process of watershed
development programmes in the State. The purpose is to facilitate sustainable
rural development in the State through watershed management with a focus on
marginalized and vulnerable people by way of various sustainable initiatives,
bringing in convergence in various development efforts, establishing new
processes and practices, encouraging innovations and learning, building people
centered institutions and playing a catalytic role in the process of policy formation
with the sole objective of improving livelihood options of the people with efficient
natural resource management while ensuring clarity and transparencies in all it
activities.