In Koraput, Odisha, tribal smallholders combining millets, pulses and locally managed seeds illustrate the systems approach at the centre of this policy-oriented article by Tapas Chandra Roy. Drawing on field experience alongside national data, the author argues that India’s agricultural challenges – including soil degradation, water stress, dependence on external inputs and climate exposure – need to be addressed together. Agroecology is presented as broader than organic or natural farming, encompassing crop diversity, nutrient cycling, farmer knowledge, markets, livelihoods and governance.

The article highlights Odisha’s Shree Anna Abhiyan, which reached nearly 250 000 farmers across 177 blocks in 30 districts in 2025–26. Field observations from Koraput associate diversified millet-based systems with lower purchased-input requirements, improved household food diversity and stronger roles for women in seed management. At national level, the article recognizes the 2024 National Mission on Natural Farming as an important policy development, while arguing that its focus should be broadened to encompass other dimensions of agroecological transition.

Proposed measures include greater coordination among agricultural programmes, long-term farmer-led research, stronger markets for millets, pulses and indigenous crops, and extension services based on participatory learning. The author also advocates redirecting part of agricultural support towards ecosystem services and integrating agroecology more explicitly into India’s climate commitments. These proposals reflect an advocacy perspective and should be distinguished from the field observations and national statistics cited in the article.