BHUBANESWAR, Jan 24 – The Odisha government signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with the World Food Programme (WFP) on Wednesday to launch a five-year regional project aimed at strengthening the climate resilience of vulnerable farming communities, with a focus on women farmers. The initiative, titled “Adaptation for Resilience” (ADAPT4R), is a collaborative project between India and Sri Lanka. It will be piloted in Odisha’s Nuapada district and aims to address the challenges posed by climate change to smallholder farmers. Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, Odisha’s Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
“This project represents our dedication to ensuring that our farming communities, especially women, can withstand climate vulnerabilities,” he said Equipping Farmers for Climate Challenges Nozomi Hashimoto, WFP’s deputy country director in India, highlighted the project’s focus on empowering farmers with sustainable agricultural practices. “ADAPT4R will equip smallholder and women farmers with tools and knowledge for resilient farming practices, enabling them to adapt to the impacts of climate change,” she said.
The project aims to promote sustainable techniques and provide skills to help farmers endure adverse weather conditions, while fostering long-term resilience.ADAPT4R is expected to be a model for similar climate adaptation initiatives in the region, addressing food security concerns and improving livelihoods for vulnerable populations.
