From the Indian Blue Community MBR – Mayurbhanj Biological Research
When Nature Is Ignored, Floods Remember: Extreme Rainfall Damages 3-Acre Mulberry Field in Similipal Landscape.
Field Report from Laxmipur, Shyamakhunta Block, Mayurbhanj, Odisha.
The extreme rainfall and sudden flooding experienced across parts of northern Odisha on 12 and 13 August 2026 have caused serious damage to a mulberry plantation developed for women’s livelihood and sericulture promotion at Laxmipur village, Shyamakhunta Block, Mayurbhanj, in the broader Similipal landscape.
At approximately 5:30 AM on 14 August 2026, Samir Kumar Sahu, Executive Director, Mayurbhanj Biological Research (MBR) and Principal Investigator (PI) of the A2K+, TDUPW, DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. New Delhi -supported project, visited the mulberry field to personally assess the situation following the flood.
The field covers approximately 3 acres and contains around 4,000 mulberry plants. The visual assessment confirmed substantial inundation and deposition of flood-borne mud and agricultural material across the plantation.
A Sudden Flood in a Landscape Under Pressure
Following intense rainfall in the upper catchment and Similipal region, water levels in the Budhabalanga and Palpala river systems increased rapidly. Floodwater entered the agricultural landscape and reached the mulberry field, with water levels estimated at up to approximately eight feet in parts of the affected area.
Mud, debris and paddy straw were carried into the plantation. The impact is not limited to temporary waterlogging. Prolonged inundation may affect the soil structure, root zone, nutrient availability and survival of mulberry plants.
The field now requires urgent cleaning, drainage, soil assessment, restoration and rehabilitation before normal sericulture activities can resume.
Water Is Life — But When Natural Systems Are Disturbed, Water Can Become a Disaster
The incident is an important reminder of the fundamental principle of the Blue Community Network: water, land, forests, people and livelihoods are deeply interconnected.
Healthy forests, riverine vegetation, wetlands, natural drainage channels and functioning catchments help regulate water movement. When natural systems are degraded through loss of vegetation, alteration of drainage pathways, inappropriate construction, road development or encroachment of vulnerable areas, the landscape can become increasingly exposed to sudden runoff and flooding.
Nature provides protection when we protect nature.
The flood at Laxmipur should therefore be understood not simply as damage to three acres of agricultural land, but as a warning about the growing vulnerability of rural livelihoods to extreme rainfall, changing rainfall patterns, ecosystem degradation and climate change.
A Climate-Change Challenge for Women’s Livelihoods
The mulberry plantation is being developed and maintained by Mayurbhanj Biological Research (MBR) through an A2K+, TDUPW, DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt of India. New Delhi-supported women empowerment and sericulture initiative, with day-to-day support from Abhay Dan (Trust), New Delhi and Technical support from CSRTI, Ministry of Silk, Govt. of India.
The programme aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities through mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing.
The timing of the disaster is particularly concerning because silkworm rearing was planned during this period. Damage to the mulberry plantation could affect the availability of healthy leaves and consequently disrupt the forthcoming rearing cycle.
For women and rural families depending on the programme, the flood therefore represents not only an environmental loss but also a potential livelihood and income shock.
Immediate Recovery Required
MBR is seeking technical, institutional and financial support to restore the field to its original productive condition.
The immediate recovery requirements include:
- Removal of deposited mud, paddy straw and flood debris.
- Restoration of natural field drainage.
- Scientific assessment of soil and water conditions.
- Assessment of the approximately 4,000 mulberry plants.
- Replacement of severely damaged plants where necessary.
- Soil rehabilitation and nutrient management.
- Restoration of field boundaries and supporting infrastructure.
- Protection against future waterlogging and flash flooding.
- Preparation for the delayed silkworm-rearing cycle.
- Documentation of the damage for climate-resilience planning.
From Recovery to Resilience:
MBR believes that simply restoring the plantation after every disaster will not be enough.
The experience should be used to develop a Climate-Resilient Mulberry and Sericulture Model for vulnerable communities in Mayurbhanj and the Similipal landscape.
This should combine:
Forest conservation + river protection + natural drainage + climate-resilient agriculture + women’s livelihood + disaster preparedness + scientific monitoring.
The affected site can become a demonstration of how rural livelihood programmes can be redesigned to work with nature rather than against nature.
An Appeal for Support
Mayurbhanj Biological Research (MBR), recognised as Blue Community Net member, GEF CSO member.
MBR is seeking support from government agencies, scientific institutions, development partners, CSR organisations, environmental organisations and other responsible institutions to help recover the Laxmipur mulberry field to its original productive condition.
We particularly welcome support for technical assessment, soil and water testing, plantation restoration, drainage management, climate-resilient infrastructure, replacement of damaged plants and livelihood recovery for the women beneficiaries.
This is more than the recovery of a three-acre field.
It is about protecting 4,000 mulberry plants, restoring a livelihood system, supporting women, strengthening climate resilience and learning how to live responsibly with water and nature.
Our Message
If we do not care for nature, nature will remind us of its power.
If we protect forests, rivers and natural drainage, they protect our communities.
Climate resilience begins with respecting the natural systems that sustain life.
MBR calls for collective action to restore the Laxmipur mulberry field and build a stronger, climate-resilient livelihood model for the Similipal landscape.
Samir Kumar Sahu
Executive Director & Principal Investigator
Mayurbhanj Biological Research (MBR)
Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India
With support from: Abhay Dan (Trust), New Delhi.
Project Grant –in –Aid- by : A2K+, TDUPW, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt of India. New Delhi.
