India: Purification on the path of adaptation, climatic heroines of Odisha – eSHOP24X7

Debjani Mandal is checking the ground with his experienced hands, standing among his rice fields, on a quick afternoon in the coastal district of Odisha.

The 34 -year -old farmer, Debjani Mandal, regardless of the tireless heat, is dedicated to inspecting the land, which once became a problem for him. That land used to remain dry in a season, while in the second season, problems arose due to the flood on the same earth.

Shortly before it was when Debjani was struggling to grow in this field. Due to the irregular monsoon, the fields, which were once fertile, began to give up less in recent times, forced many farmers to receive loans.

Debjani’s situation changed when he adopted new forms of rice culture, under a climate tolerance project backed by the government. The method was attractive: more performance with less water and low chemicals. However, people were afraid to change the traditional methods that have been happening for generations.

She says: “Initially, it was difficult to explain to others. But when I saw my crops flourish, he began to listen to us.”

Debjani soon, along with the care of his fields, began leading all groups of farmers in his community. He taught other farmers the way of growing rice, not against nature, not against him.

Directed in the fight against climate change

One hundred miles away, Jyotsna Rani is fighting a separate battle against climate change in the area prone to flooding of the Balasore district. Jyotsna, a housewife and the mother of two children, became an environmentalist when the growing water of the flood entered her home. Flood is no longer just seasonal problems; It has become a threat to existence.

When Zyotsna got to know about debjani and the growing network of ‘climatic champions’, he also made sure to be part of it. Now, these climatic heroines, the climate dominated by women participate widely in favorable agriculture and tolerance operated by the community.

Jyotsna, with determination, began to hold meetings in her village and introduced farmers to the techniques that could face the growing irregular seasonal trends in the region. He encouraged the exchange of resources and collective action.

However, his thoughts were first seen with doubtful eyes. But he did not give up. She says: “People listen only when they see changes with their eyes.” And soon, he started listening.

A peaceful revolution in the coastal villages of Odisha

The success of women like Debjani and Jyotsna has given rise to a peaceful revolution in the coastal villages of Odisha. Women who have been careless in agricultural and financial affairs have become the author of Comfort.

He has shown that sustainable solutions lead to the welfare of the earth and its people. Their efforts have increased the production of crops and domestic income. At the same time, community relations have become strong, which has become separate efforts, a collective movement.

Odisha, with its lower coast and weak ecosystems, is in the front row of climate change. Due to the increase in sea level and the entrance of salt water, not only the fields but all livelihoods are in danger. Women carry the greatest burden of these challenges, while they are traditionally responsible for domestic and agricultural work, but now they are not going back, advancing and facing this challenge.

With the help of the Government of India, the Green Climate Fund and UNDP, more than 300 women have been trained as climatic champions in Odisha. Training in sustainable agriculture, treatment of organic seeds and pest management has been taught. In addition, the tricks have been taught to restore mangrove forests, which act as a natural shield against the waves of the storms. Apart from this, in the preparation of the disaster, it has been taught to guide our communities through training.

Beyond agriculture: formation of strong communities

Debjani and Jyotsna, apart from agriculture, also do a lot. They associate families with government schemes, promote ecological practices, train the next generation and carry out awareness programs for local young people. She assures that these initiatives continue to continually collaborate with self -help groups and community associations.

This change is very personal for debjani.

She says: “I used to leave my house very rarely from my house.

The women of their people have seen this change. Now they see climate change not as an abstract threat, but as a challenge that can be treated with knowledge, unity and determination.