Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities" (ECRICC) project, initiated in 2019, aims to safeguard vulnerable coastal populations by enhancing ecosystem resilience and diversifying livelihoods. Implemented across 3 coastal states (Adhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha) of India, the project employs an ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) approach and is supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), state government, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project integrates vulnerability assessments, ecosystem restoration, and community-driven livelihood initiatives while strengthening governance mechanisms. In Odisha the project is implemented in 7 landscapes of 4 coastal districts (Balasore, Puri, Kendrapada & Ganjam). Under this project, promotion of climate adaptive livelihoods in the fisheries and agriculture sector is an important component for enhancing climate resilience capacity of the coastal communities through income enhancement and diversification of livelihoods.

System of Rice Intensification under ECRICC Odisha

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is recognized globally as a climate-smart agricultural practice (CSA) that enhances rice productivity while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving resource efficiency. Under the Enhancing Climate Resilience of India’s Coastal Communities (ECRICC) project, SRI is being promoted as a key intervention to strengthen the resilience of rice farmers in Odisha’s coastal districts.

The ECRICC project, which covers 949 villages across four districts of Odisha, aims to integrate climate-resilient farming techniques to help communities adapt to climate change, improve livelihoods, and ensure food security. As rice is a staple crop in these regions, transitioning to SRI-based practices ensures sustainability, efficiency, and climate adaptability in the face of erratic weather patterns.