MoU Signed Between Odisha Govt and Gates Foundation to Strengthen Climate-Smart Farming

MoU Signed Between Odisha Govt and Gates Foundation to Strengthen Climate-Smart Farming

The Government of Odisha has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to collaborate on advancing inclusive agriculture and improving productivity in the dairy and fisheries sectors.

This strategic, multi-year partnership led by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment in coordination with the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department will focus on providing technical support, conducting research, and implementing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices across the state.

Deputy chief minister-cum-minister for Agriculture KV Singh Deo said the signing of MoU with the Gates Foundation marks a significant step towards future-ready agriculture in the state. It reaffirms the government’s commitment to invest in knowledge, innovation and partnerships that benefit farmers. “We are happy to get into collaboration with the Odisha government especially in the agriculture and allied sectors. The MoU reinforces our continued collaboration and shared commitment to a resilient and inclusive future for Odisha’s farmers,” said Director (poverty alleviation), Gates Foundation, Alkesh Wadhwani.

The event also marked the release of a scoping report series on ‘Data-driven prioritisation of districts for climate-smart agriculture in Odisha’ by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). The reports present a district-level assessment of climate risks, resource use patterns and emissions from agriculture, providing a blueprint for developing district-level climate action plans and piloting CSA practices tailored to local conditions.

A climate-smart agriculture alliance initiative was launched. It will bring together government agencies, research institutions, startups, civil societies, NGOs, farmer institutions and the private sector to accelerate climate-smart technology and strategy adoption and innovation. 

A report by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) titled ‘Transforming fallow lands-An impact evaluation of the comprehensive rice fallow management programme in Odisha (CRFM)’ was also released. The IFPRI report focused on the conversion of fallow lands and its effects on acreage and yields of pulses and oilseeds. The study provides strong evidence of increased land utilisation and productivity, demonstrating how integrated data systems can effectively guide inclusive, data-driven agricultural planning and policy. The Agriculture department released Odisha Agriculture Statistics 2023-24, which mirrors the agricultural activities of the state.