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Key Points

The Odisha government has signed its third MoU with the Gates Foundation to boost agricultural transformation. Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized the focus on farmer and fisheries sector livelihoods. The partnership will drive science-based interventions for sustainable growth. Earlier, APEDA and Odisha also collaborated to promote agri-exports through capacity-building programs.

Key Points: Odisha and Gates Foundation Partner for Farmer Income Boost

  • Multi-year partnership for climate-smart farming
  • Focus on fisheries and farmer incomes
  • Third such MoU with Gates Foundation
  • Supports GI-tagged agri-products
2 min read

Odisha Government sign MoU with Gates Foundation to promote agricultural transformation in state

Odisha government signs third MoU with Gates Foundation to enhance agricultural transformation and farmer livelihoods through climate-smart practices.

"This is the third time, and it is mainly being done to improve the livelihoods of the farming and fisheries sectors. - Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo"

Bhubaneswar, April 30

The Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gates Foundation to scale up farmers' income and promote inclusive agricultural transformation in Odisha on Wednesday.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

The MoU outlines a multi-year partnership focusing on technical support, research, and on-ground implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices. Anchored by the Department of Agricultural and Farmers' Empowerment (DAFE) and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department. This initiative will drive science-based, ground-level interventions for sustainable agricultural growth.

While speaking to ANI, Dy CM Deo stated that it is not the first time a MoU has been signed with the Gates Foundation. It is the third time that the government has taken such an initiative, which is primarily aimed at improving the livelihoods of the farming and fisheries sectors.

"This is not the first time this MoU has been signed with the Gates Foundation. This is the third time, and it is mainly being done to improve the livelihoods of the farming and fisheries sectors. Both these sectors have benefited from the Gates Foundation. This will benefit the farmers", he told ANI.

Earlier on April 27, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Government of Odisha organized a Workshop cum Capacity Building Programme to Boost Agri Products' Exports from Odisha at Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Hall, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the event featured over 10 stalls, represented by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOS)/Farmer Producer Companies, women agripreneurs, government departments of Odisha, and exporters from across the state. Several GI-tagged and Agri-Products from the state, such as Koraput Kalajeera Rice, Nayagad Kanteimundi, Brinjal, Ganjam Kewda Flower Products, Koraput Coffee, Kandhamal Haldi Powder, Kendrapada Rasabali, Salepur Rasagolla, Khajuri Gud, Dhenkanal Magaji Ladoo, and Mayurbhanja Kai Chutni, were displayed at the University.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
P
Pranav K.
This is excellent news for Odisha farmers! The Gates Foundation has done remarkable work in agriculture globally. Hope this brings modern techniques to our hardworking farmers. The focus on climate-smart practices is especially crucial with changing weather patterns. Jai Kisan! 🙏
S
Sunita M.
While partnerships are good, I hope the government ensures traditional farming knowledge isn't lost in this process. Our Odia farmers have generations of wisdom - any new methods should complement rather than replace these practices. The GI-tagged products mentioned show our rich heritage.
R
Rajesh P.
Third MoU with Gates Foundation? What were the outcomes of previous agreements? Transparency is important - government should share concrete results from earlier collaborations before celebrating new ones. Farmers deserve to know actual benefits received.
A
Ananya D.
The focus on women agripreneurs is commendable! 👏 Rural women are the backbone of Indian agriculture but often don't get recognition. Hope this initiative provides them better market access and fair prices for their products like those beautiful Kewda flowers.
M
Manish T.
As someone from Odisha, I'm proud to see our unique products getting attention. Koraput coffee and Kalajeera rice are treasures! But implementation is key - hope benefits reach small farmers in remote areas, not just big cooperatives near Bhubaneswar.
K
Kirti S.
Good initiative but why always foreign foundations? Our agricultural universities like OUAT have brilliant researchers. More funding should go to them to develop indigenous solutions. Atmanirbhar Bharat should apply to agriculture research too!

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