Cotton Agroforestry Project Launched in Balangir to Boost Sustainable Farming
CIFOR-ICRAF launched a two-year cotton-based agroforestry pilot in Balangir, Odisha, integrating trees and legumes to improve farmer incomes and soil health.
CIFOR-ICRAF in India has launched a cotton-based agroforestry pilot in Balangir district, Odisha, funded by Reforest'Action. The project, which began in March 2024 and will run for two years with a planned three-year extension, integrates cotton cultivation with multipurpose trees and leguminous crops to boost farm incomes, soil health, pest management and food security.
The initiative targets the Belpada, Muribahal and Saintala blocks of Balangir, working with smallholder cotton farmers to increase yields while cutting input costs. It is structured around four pillars: economic viability, ecological sustainability, ecological corridor restoration, and farmer empowerment.
Odisha's cotton cultivation area rose from 170,000 hectares in 2019-20 to 216,000 hectares in 2022-23, according to the Ministry of Textiles. Organic cotton output in the state grew nearly fivefold between 2017-18 and 2020-21, reaching 106,495.89 million tonnes. In Balangir alone, cotton was grown on 43,960 hectares in 2018-19.
Cotton remains a cornerstone of India's agrarian economy, but conventional cultivation relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, causing soil depletion and health risks for farmers. The project promotes organic, agroforestry-integrated methods as a sustainable alternative.
Through partnerships with local conservation organizations and communities, CIFOR-ICRAF aims to restore fragmented ecological corridors while creating a resilient cotton farming model for both farmers and the environment.
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Who is leading the cotton-based agroforestry project in Balangir?
CIFOR-ICRAF in India is leading the Regenerative Agriculture with Cotton-Based Agroforestry project.
Who is funding the project?
The project is funded by Reforest'Action.
When was the project launched and how long does the pilot phase last?
The project was launched in March 2024 and will run for an initial pilot phase of two years, with plans for a subsequent three-year implementation.
Which blocks in Balangir district are targeted by the project?
The project focuses on the Belpada, Muribahal, and Saintala blocks of Balangir district.
What are the four pillars of the agroforestry model?
The four pillars are economic viability, ecological sustainability, ecological corridor restoration, and farmer empowerment.
What crops are integrated with cotton in the agroforestry system?
Cotton is integrated with multipurpose trees, leguminous perennials, and short-duration vegetables.
What objectives does the project aim to achieve for farmers?
The project aims to improve livelihoods by increasing crop yields, reducing input costs, enhancing economic returns, and improving soil fertility.
How much cotton was cultivated in Balangir in 2018-19?
The cotton cultivation area in Balangir was recorded at 43,960 hectares in 2018-19.
What was the cotton cultivated area in Odisha in 2022-23?
The total cotton area in Odisha was 216,000 hectares in 2022-23.
How much did organic cotton output grow in Odisha between 2017-18 and 2020-21?
Organic cotton output rose from 23,034.4 million tonnes in 2017-18 to 106,495.89 million tonnes in 2020-21.
Suresh Sahu
Senior District Correspondent, Balangir
Suresh Sahu has reported on Balangir district for the Mirror since 2020, focusing on drought-relief policy, health infrastructure, and district politics.
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