The ClimatePRO project led by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), Government of Odisha and facilitated by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE) Government of Odisha is a part of the"Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture," project being supported by the World Bank.

At its core, ClimatePRO is dedicated to enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers in Odisha. With the mission to intensify and diversify agricultural production within the tank command and influence areas under minor irrigation projects, the project promotes climate-ready crop varieties and innovative farming practices, all finely tuned to the unique challenges of a rice-based agri-food system.

Collaborating closely with local farmers, IRRI has identified and promotes climate-smart, high-yielding, and short to medium-duration rice and crop varieties ideal for double cropping systems in Odisha's tank command areas. The project actively engages women in the rice value chain, creating secure, dignified, and economically viable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Together with partners, IRRI is incubating three women-led farmer producer companies in Balangir, Mayurbhanj, and Ganjam districts, with an initial focus on seed systems development to ensure sustainable growth and improved livelihood for women farmers.