Seasonal rural migration is an enduring challenge in Odisha. Many households in districts like Ganjam, Balangir, Kalahandi, and Nuapada migrate annually to cities (e.g. Surat, Raipur, Hyderabad) in search of work. Odisha’s rural economy remains underdeveloped despite fertile soils and diverse agro-climatic zones. Only about 35% of its net sown area is irrigated, making agriculture highly monsoon-dependent. Contributing factors include large knowledge gaps about modern farming, unreliable irrigation, low adoption of mechanization and climate-resilient technology, and weak awareness of support schemes (such as PMKSY, Soil Health Cards, PMFBY, and KALIA). These knowledge, technology, and policy gaps compel many rural households to use migration as a survival strategy. Key barriers identified include: • Weak knowledge dissemination: Farmers lack training in modern and climate-resilient practices. • Limited access to technology: Affordable irrigation and mechanization are scarce in many villages. • Poor awareness of programs: Many do not know about government schemes or MSME/entrepreneurship initiatives (e.g. Startup Odisha) that could improve rural livelihoods. Proposed solutions include: localized training and extension services (including digital platforms), promotion of micro-irrigation and farm machinery, and support for rural agri-entrepreneurship (e.g. agribusiness incubators, MSME linkages). These interventions can boost year-round crop yields and create local jobs. Strengthening such measures would not only reduce distress migration but also advance Odisha’s development goals. This approach aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and supports SDGs on food security and decent work.