38th Governing Body Meeting of OFSDS Reviews Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Forestry and Livelihoods
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar, 8th July 2026: The 38th Governing Body Meeting of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS) under the aegis of Forest, Environment & Climate Change Dept was held today under the chairmanship of the Shri BhaskarJyotiSarma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha. In the meeting Shri G. Rajesh, Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Project Director, OFSDP-II and Member Convener of the Governing Body gave an overview of OFSDS.
The Governing Body reviewed the progress of JICA-assisted OFSDP Phase-II, AmaJangalaYojana and OFSDS-OMBADC and other flagship initiatives while taking several key policy decisions to strengthen sustainable forest management and livelihood support for forest-dependent communities.
Among the major decisions, the Governing Body approved the proposal for a three-year extension of OFSDP-II (2027–2030) without any cost escalation, enabling the project to consolidate ongoing interventions, institutionalise successful models and ensure long-term sustainability of project outcomes. The statutory approval from state government will be sought by the Dept.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Farm Forestry Carbon Credit Initiative, under which more than 2,700 beneficiaries across 12 forest divisions have been brought under a carbon credit framework covering over 1,800 acres. The initiative is expected to generate long-term environmental and livelihood benefits by linking sustainable farm forestry with emerging carbon markets.
Progress of Third-party evaluation of AJY and OFSDP-II project evaluation by IIFM, Bhopal was also discussed.
Recognising the need for sustained livelihood support beyond the project period, the Governing Body approved the formalisation of the Livelihood Resource Centre (LRC) as a dedicated institutional mechanism to strengthen producer groups, Self-Help Groups and forest-based enterprises. The proposed institution will serve as a long-term resource and business support platform for forest fringe communities.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government of Odisha’s commitment towards climate-resilient forestry, community-led natural resource management and sustainable livelihood enhancement through collaborative institutional initiatives.
The meeting was graced by Dr.K.Murugesan, IFS, PCCF &HoFF, Shri Manoj Nair, IFS, representing PCCF (Wildlife), Shri SwayamMallick, IFS, Special Secretary, FE&CC Department and Ms. RinkuKumari, IFS, Joint Project Director (A&F), OFSDS along with Ms BabitaMohapatra, Additional Director, Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM), Shri Prashanna Kumar Behera of NEWS, as representative of Partner NGOs of OFSDP-II.
