ENA Sectors 2025-04-30 17:55:31 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (KNN)</strong> The Odisha government and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural development across the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The multi-year partnership will focus on providing technical support, conducting research, and implementing science-based solutions at the grassroots level.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This collaboration reaffirms our governments 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The partnership marks a significant step toward a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future for Odishas farmers.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 41925 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/odisha-signs-mou-with-gates-foundation-for-inclusive-agricultural-development 2025-04-30 17:55:31 knnindia.co.in