Landmark MoU by Gates Foundation drives climate-smart agriculture and innovation to benefit farmers across Odisha

Bhubaneswar:30/4/25: In a significant development aimed at promoting Inclusive Agriculture Transformation in Odisha, the Government of Odisha and the Gates Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on key initiatives that will drive agricultural growth. These initiatives will focus on AI-enabled applications, precision agriculture, climate-smart innovations, and improving the productivity of the dairy and fisheries sectors.

This MoU establishes a framework for a multi-year partnership centered around providing technical support, conducting research, and implementing climate-smart agricultural practices on the ground in Odisha. The collaboration, led by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) and the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department (FARDD), aims to facilitate science-based interventions that promote climate-smart agriculture.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasised that signing the MoU with the Gates Foundation represents a pivotal step toward advancing agriculture in Odisha. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in knowledge, innovation, and partnerships that will benefit farmers across the state.

Mr. Alkesh Wadhwani, Director of Poverty Alleviation at the Gates Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Odisha government, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors. He noted that the MoU reinforces the shared commitment to creating a resilient and inclusive future for Odisha’s farmers. This new alliance is expected to catalyse the integration of innovative solutions and farmer adoption, positioning Odisha at the forefront of sustainable agricultural development.

The DAFE, FARDD, and the Gates Foundation also launched the Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance Odisha. This collaborative platform will bring together government agencies, research institutions, startups, civil society organisations, NGOs, farmer institutions, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate the adoption and innovation of climate-smart technologies and strategies.

During the event, a Scoping Report Series titled “Data-Driven Prioritisation of Districts for Climate-Smart Agriculture in Odisha” was released by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). This report series presents 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 climate-smart agricultural practices tailored to local conditions.

Additionally, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) released a report entitled “Transforming Fallow Lands—An Impact Evaluation of the Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management Program in Odisha (CRFM).” This report evaluates the Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management (CRFM) Program in Odisha, focusing on the conversion of fallow lands and its effects on the acreage and yields of pulses and oilseeds. The study provides compelling evidence of increased land utilisation and productivity, demonstrating how integrated data systems can effectively inform inclusive, data-driven agricultural planning and policy.

Moreover, the Department unveiled the Odisha Agriculture Statistics 2023-24, which reflects the agricultural activity in the state. This statistical information is a crucial input for policy planning.

Sri Suresh Kumar Vashishth, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department, highlighted that the MoU will enhance the fisheries and animal resources sectors by incorporating scientific and data-driven tools to improve policies.

Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, reiterated that this unique convergence of science, policy, and partnership is designed to build a long-term collaboration. He stated that leveraging international best practices through a digital platform will be essential for replicating successful models within the local ecosystem.

The partnership between DAFE, FARDD, and the Gates Foundation aims to strengthen the digital ecosystem, expand digital services for farmers, enhance export and market linkages, promote crop diversification, support agricultural technology utilisation, and advance livestock development, while paying attention to gender inclusivity and resilience building.