Bhubaneswar, April 30 — In a strategic move to revolutionize the agricultural landscape, the Odisha government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to promote inclusive and climate-resilient agriculture across the state.

Anchored by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) and the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department (FARDD), the partnership aims to implement science-driven, on-ground solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The collaboration will leverage artificial intelligence (AI), precision farming technologies, and climate-smart innovations to boost outcomes in agriculture, dairy, and fisheries sectors.

Speaking at the MoU signing event, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted that this marks the third agreement between Odisha and the Gates Foundation since their collaboration began in 2017. He emphasized that the initiative is focused on doubling farmers’ income through climate-resilient practices and inclusive growth.

Alkesh Wadhwani, Director of Poverty Alleviation at the Gates Foundation, lauded the alliance as a powerful catalyst for scaling innovation and empowering farmers with sustainable techniques.

The event also saw the launch of the ‘Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance Odisha’, a pioneering collaborative platform designed to bring together government bodies, research institutions, startups, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector. The alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart technologies and strategies statewide.

Officials expressed confidence that the initiative will place Odisha at the forefront of sustainable agricultural transformation in India.