Focus

The focus of upscale project is on upscaling selected sustainable and climate resilient rice and relevant agricultural (CRRA) technologies, addressing barriers and showing the potential for upscaling in practice. Scaling up processes and multiplication are an integral part of a systemic approach to innovation. The selected technology interventions are evidence based (results from RESILIENCE and other ongoing projects in India) and have shown promising results. These include Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), Precision Soil and Nutrient management( promoting digital tools for improving inputs use efficiency: e.g. fertilizers, water, etc.), Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), farmer-led smart seed production systems, integrated farming systems (IFS)/diversified crop-livestock systems, among others. In addition to the CRRA systems, the project will demonstrate use of alternatives to fossil fuels and electricity such as solar power and do a pilot assessment of biodegradable plastics for mulching. Upscaling CRRA systems not only will provide increased yields and income for smallholders (small and marginal farmers) , but also improved ecosystem services that enhance sustainability and nutrient circularity, while reducing biodiversity loss. Thus, sustainable management of the agricultural environment will be an important cross-cutting issue in the project.

The project will be implemented in 2 of the most climate vulnerable states of Odisha and Assam in India and will directly operate/ and carry out upscaling in 9 districts (reaching out to approx. 35,000 farmers (of which 35% women) will be engaged in upscaling). Overall, the project will contribute to: 

• Improved climate RESILIENCE, sustainable crop productivity by implementing precision-based soil health and water management (using digital tools), integrated pest management (IPM) practices and value chain enhancement - contribution to SDGs 1, 2,12, 13,15
• Mitigate GHG emissions by promoting use of solar energy, conserving soil organic carbon stocks through application of site-specific nutrient management tools/apps, AWD, crop diversification systems - contribution to SDGs 13, 15
• Enhance knowledge exchange, awareness, and capacity on the use of environment friendly renewable resources (solar, biodegradable plastics) - contribution to SDG 3, 5, 15
• Improved biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services in rice wetland ecosystems - contribution to SDGs 13, 15, 16

The project will work directly in collaboration with relevant stakeholders (2 Stakeholder Advisory Committees already established and functioning in the RESILIENCE project implemented in Odisha and Assam (2018-2024), funded by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway). We will develop holistic upscaling frameworks for the selected CRRA technologies and evaluate the socio-economic and environmental performance of the co-developed practices, including their potential to reduce GHG, enhance soil organic carbon and protect biodiversity. The evidence-based technology and policy outputs generated in the project will be used to build capacity and disseminate knowledge (practice abstracts, policy recommendations) through several Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK/Agriculture Knowledge Centres) across the districts and outside the project areas and further upscaling in Odisha and Assam. Thus, farmer connectivity and mainstreaming women and youth in the process will be strengthened through the 18 new virtual village knowledge centres network in the project areas. The project will emphasize on integration of women, youth, and marginalized groups (e.g., people living in marginal areas or with less/no access to resources/ extension services) in the capacity building and knowledge exchange programs.