Women like Debjani Mandal and Jyotshna Rani Pradhan are leading Odisha’s fight against climate change, transforming farming practices and empowering communities
OdishaPlus Bureau
On a scorching afternoon in Kendrapara, a coastal region of Odisha, India, Debjani Mandal stands amidst the lush greenery of her rice fields, examining the soil with skilled hands. The 34-year-old farmer, unfazed by the relentless summer heat, assesses the land that once appeared to work against her—drought-stricken in one season and waterlogged in the next. Not long ago, Debjani’s farm faced significant challenges. The monsoon patterns had become unpredictable, and the once-productive fields began to produce diminishing returns, pushing many farmers into greater financial distress.
However, she learned about the system of rice intensification through a government-supported climate resilience initiative. The potential benefits were appealing: increased yields with reduced water usage and fewer chemicals. Yet, the prospect of altering traditional farming practices that had been handed down through generations felt overwhelming.
Initially, she found it challenging to persuade others, she reflects. “However, once they witnessed the success of my crops, they began to pay attention.” Before long, she was not only managing her own fields but also guiding groups of farmers within her community, teaching them how to cultivate rice in harmony with nature. She actively participated in the work alongside them, and gradually, trust began to develop.
Championing the Cause
A hundred miles away, in the flood-prone region of Balasore, Jyotshna Rani Pradhan was confronting the challenges posed by climate change. As a housewife and mother of two, she had never viewed herself as an environmental advocate until the rising floodwaters began to threaten her home. Floods transformed from mere seasonal nuisances into serious threats to her existence. Upon discovering Debjani and the expanding network of ‘Climate Champions’—women leading the way in adaptive farming and community resilience—she realized she needed to join their efforts.
With unwavering resolve, Jyotshna initiated meetings in her village to educate farmers on methods capable of adapting to the increasingly unpredictable weather conditions in the area. She promoted the sharing of resources and collective efforts, skillfully addressing the prevalent skepticism towards innovative concepts. Nevertheless, she remained steadfast. “People are more receptive when they witness tangible change,” she asserts. And before long, they did.
Subtle Transformation
The achievements of women like Debjani and Jyotshna have ignited a subtle transformation throughout the coastal villages of Odisha. Historically marginalized in agricultural and financial discussions, women have emerged as key figures in fostering resilience, demonstrating that sustainable practices can enhance both the environment and the community. Their initiatives have not only increased crop production and family incomes but have also fortified community bonds, evolving individual endeavors into a unified movement.
Odisha, characterized by its low-lying coastlines and fragile ecosystems, stands at the forefront of climate change challenges. Escalating sea levels and saltwater intrusion jeopardize not only agricultural land but also the livelihoods of entire communities. Women, who have traditionally managed both domestic and farming responsibilities, face the greatest impact from these adversities. However, instead of withdrawing, they are stepping forward to take control.
With the assistance of the Government of India, the Green Climate Fund, and UNDP, more than 300 women in Odisha have been trained as Climate Champions. They acquire skills in sustainable agriculture, organic seed treatment, and pest management. Additionally, they engage in the restoration of mangrove forests, which serve as natural barriers against storm surges, and learn to prepare their communities for disasters.
The impact of their training was particularly evident during Cyclone Dana, which struck the Puri coast. Equipped with their knowledge, these women played a crucial role in helping their villages prepare for the storm, thereby minimizing damage and saving lives.
Expanding Influence
Debjani and Jyotshna’s efforts reach well beyond the realm of agriculture. They facilitate connections between families and government programs, advocate for environmentally friendly practices, and mentor young people by conducting awareness initiatives. By partnering with self-help groups and community federations, they ensure the sustainability and growth of these programs. For Debjani, this journey of transformation holds significant personal meaning.
“I rarely ventured out in the past,” she reflects. “However, I now participate in meaningful discussions where others listen to me and seek my guidance. The confidence and independence I have developed are experiences I wish for my sisters to share as well.”
The women in her village have become aware of this transformation. They no longer perceive climate change as a distant concern but as a challenge, they can confront through knowledge, solidarity, and resolve.
Looking Ahead
Their influence has not gone unnoticed. Local media spotlight their initiatives, social media enhances their visibility, and government representatives invite them to engage in policy dialogues. Jyotshna, always practical, envisions a uniform for the Climate Champions—a representation of their shared identity and a mark of pride for the women who are shaping the future of Odisha.
For some individuals, work serves as a vital means of survival. Kanchan, a fellow Climate Champion, sustains her family through climate-resilient agriculture after her husband became disabled due to a stroke. However, for many others, their work goes beyond mere financial gain. “Even if I weren’t compensated, I would still engage in this,” states Debjani. “Because now, when I observe my surroundings, I witness change.”
The genuine influence of these women extends beyond the thriving crops or the resilient mangroves that withstand the waves. It is found in the subtle discussions during community gatherings, in the supportive gestures towards neighbors, and in the young girls who view their mothers as role models.
These climate champions are not merely adapting to climate change; they are actively creating effective solutions that enhance their farms, empower their communities, and secure their future.
