In a major step toward tackling the impacts of climate change, the Government of Tamil Nadu has signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), India to roll out a new climate adaptation project called Adaptation for Resilience (ADAPT4R). This initiative aims to improve the climate resilience and food security of vulnerable farming communities.
The agreement was formally exchanged between Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change & Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Nozomi Hashimoto, Deputy Country Director, WFP India.
Project Highlights: Supporting Farmers Facing Climate Challenges
The ADAPT4R project, funded by the Adaptation Fund, is focused on three states—Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. In Tamil Nadu, the project will be implemented in Ramanathapuram district over a period of five years.
Key objectives of the project include:
- Helping smallholder farmers—especially women—adopt climate-resilient farming methods
- Improving access to weather-related information, technology, and government support
- Strengthening local institutions to better handle climate risks
- Setting up early warning systems to prepare communities for extreme weather
The project carries a total investment of $14 million and is expected to significantly reduce the impact of climate change on agriculture, improve food availability, and protect rural livelihoods in the region.
Building on National Commitment
This LoU builds on a national-level agreement signed in August 2024 between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, and the WFP. It marks a move to translate national climate commitments into action at the state level, ensuring that the most affected communities benefit directly from global climate funds and technical expertise.
Leaders Present at the Ceremony
The signing ceremony was attended by several senior officials from both the Tamil Nadu government and the WFP. These included:
- A. R. Rahul Nadh, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change
- Anurag Mishra, Special Secretary, Department of Environment & Climate Change
- Ritto Cyriac, Special Secretary, Department of Forest
- Pradnya Paithankar, Head of Climate Change and Resilient Food Systems, WFP
- Dr. Suthanuka Sarkar, Deputy Director, MoEFCC
A Step Towards a More Secure Farming Future
This partnership between Tamil Nadu and WFP is a critical step towards protecting farmers from the growing threat of climate change. By combining global support with local action, the ADAPT4R project aims to secure food production, protect natural resources, and create stronger, climate-ready rural communities.