Odisha Signs MoU with Gates Foundation for Inclusive Agricultural Development

Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (KNN) The Odisha government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural development across the state.

This landmark collaboration aims to promote innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, precision farming, climate-smart practices, and increased productivity in the dairy and fisheries sectors.

The multi-year partnership will focus on providing technical support, conducting research, and implementing science-based solutions at the grassroots level.

The initiative is anchored by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department (FARDD). It aims to strengthen farming systems through sustainable and climate-resilient approaches.

“This collaboration reaffirms our government’s commitment to investing in knowledge, innovation, and partnerships that benefit farmers across the state,” said Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo during the signing ceremony.

Alkesh Wadhwani, Director of Poverty Alleviation at the Gates Foundation, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “This alliance will serve as a catalyst, bringing innovation and farmer adoption at scale, positioning Odisha at the forefront of sustainable agricultural growth.”

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance Odisha. This platform will bring together government bodies, research institutes, start-ups, civil society, NGOs, and private sector players to scale up the use of climate-smart technologies.

Additionally, the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) released a report series titled “Data-Driven Prioritisation of Districts for Climate-Smart Agriculture in Odisha,” which will guide targeted interventions across the state.

The partnership marks a significant step toward a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future for Odisha’s farmers.

(KNN Bureau)