Exposure Visit & Field Assessment Report: Koraput & Malkangiri Districts

Koraput & Malkangiri District Visit, Odisha\n\nMr. Ramesh Chandra Samal (Senior Advisor-cum-Managing Director)-MCIF\n\nMrs. Chinmayee Das (Director-cum-Secretary)-MCIF\n\nMr. Manoj Kumar Das (Director-cum-President)-MCIF\n\nVisit Dates: 24th – 25th March 2025

Mission4Care India Foundation (MCIF) organized a field visit and case study programme to Koraput and Malkangiri districts of Odisha to review ongoing developmental activities, interact with local communities, assess grassroots challenges, and explore opportunities for future interventions.\n\nA five-member team, comprising the President, Editor, and two members of the Advisory Board, including the undersigned, commenced the journey from Bhubaneswar on the night of 23rd March 2025 by bus.\n\nThe team reached Semiliguda at around 7:30 AM on 24th March 2025, where they were received by Mr. Manoj Kumar Pattnaik, District Head of MCIF, Koraput, and escorted to the Mission4Care Foundation Trust Office at Sunabeda.

After completing office formalities at Sunabeda, the team proceeded to the district headquarters, Koraput.\n\nThe delegation met Mrs. Pushpanjali Pattnaik, District Social Welfare Officer, Koraput, and discussed various social welfare programmes being implemented in the district. During the meeting, a memorandum was submitted requesting the inclusion of MCIF volunteers in various government-sponsored welfare and developmental programmes for better community outreach and service delivery.

The team visited Kunduli Gram Panchayat and interacted with local farmers and residents regarding agricultural practices and language-related issues.

Farmers primarily cultivate paddy and turmeric.\n\nLivelihoods are supplemented through:\n\nIndigenous poultry farming\n\nGoat rearing\n\nCattle farming\n\nCollection and sale of forest produce\n\nThe interaction provided valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities residing in the region.

The team then travelled to Deomali, located approximately 23 km from Kunduli.

Farmers cultivate vegetables near natural streams and water sources.\n\nWater scarcity remains a major concern for agricultural expansion.\n\nDiscussions were held with villagers regarding sustainable water management and irrigation facilities.\n\nEn route, the team also visited Bad Marla and Tumuriguda villages and interacted with local communities.

The delegation proceeded to Kotia Deuli Hill, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,662 metres above sea level.

Around 600 pine saplings have been planted on the hill.\n\nThe plantation programme is being implemented by the Koraput Forest Division.\n\nThe initiative has been undertaken under the approval of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha.\n\nThe hill offers breathtaking natural beauty and immense ecological significance.

Block: ChitrakondaDistrict: MalkangiriState: Odisha, India\n\nThe team visited Chitrakonda, one of the most picturesque and environmentally rich regions of southern Odisha.

The area is blessed with:\n\nScenic hill ranges\n\nFresh and clean atmosphere\n\nDense greenery\n\nPanoramic views of nature\n\nVisitors can experience a sense of serenity and harmony amidst the natural surroundings.

During the visit, the team noticed that tourists had discarded plastic bottles and other waste materials across the area.\n\nTo promote environmental responsibility, the team:\n\nCollected and cleaned the scattered waste.\n\nFilled an entire sack with plastic and other litter.\n\nConducted an awareness meeting with local tribal residents.\n\nEncouraged community participation in maintaining cleanliness.\n\nDistributed waste collection bags for future use.

As part of MCIF's livelihood promotion initiative, the organisation's Editor, Mrs. Chinmayee Das, distributed vegetable seeds among local tribal families to encourage kitchen gardening and nutritional security.

After completing the day's programme, the team returned to Semiliguda Block.

The team reached the accommodation facility at approximately 9:30 PM and rested in preparation for the next day's field activities.

On 25th March 2025, the team resumed its field programme focusing on farmers' issues and agricultural development.

The delegation travelled to Jeypore to meet the Chief District Agriculture Officer (CDAO), Koraput, Mr. Gokulananda Pradhan.

However, due to his official engagements outside the office, the team interacted with other departmental officials and discussed:

Key Agricultural Concerns:

Irrigation challenges

Availability of quality seeds

Government support schemes

Market access for farmers

Promotion of vegetable cultivation

Tribal farmer empowerment initiatives

The discussions aimed to identify possible areas where MCIF could collaborate with government departments for the benefit of farming communities.

Malkangiri District, adjoining Koraput District, consists of the following seven administrative blocks:\n\nMalkangiri\n\nMathili\n\nKhairput\n\nChitrakonda\n\nKorukonda\n\nKalimela\n\nPodia\n\nThese blocks are predominantly tribal areas and require continued support in the sectors of agriculture, education, healthcare, livelihood generation, environmental conservation, and community development.

The exposure visit provided a valuable opportunity to understand the ground realities of Koraput and Malkangiri districts. The team observed the challenges faced by farmers and tribal communities, including water scarcity, livelihood constraints, environmental concerns, and access to government services.\n\nThe visit also highlighted the immense potential for community-driven development through agriculture, environmental conservation, volunteer engagement, and capacity-building initiatives.\n\nMission4Care India Foundation remains committed to working in partnership with government departments, local communities, and volunteers to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life of marginalized populations in these districts.