Odisha Govt Signs MoU with Gates Foundation to Boost Inclusive Agriculture Transformation

In a significant move toward sustainable and inclusive agricultural development, the Odisha government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The partnership aims to accelerate agricultural transformation in the state through science-driven, climate-smart innovations and technology-based solutions.

The MoU was signed in the presence of senior state officials and representatives from the Gates Foundation. The initiative will be spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) and the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department (FARDD).

According to officials, the collaboration will focus on enhancing productivity and resilience in Odisha’s agriculture, dairy, and fisheries sectors. It will promote the use of precision agriculture, AI-enabled tools, and other innovative practices tailored to local needs. The goal is to create sustainable livelihoods for farmers and fishers, especially small and marginal stakeholders, by integrating modern science with grassroots implementation.

“This partnership is expected to bring long-term, inclusive impact by improving food security, boosting incomes, and supporting climate-resilient farming practices in Odisha,” said a senior agriculture department official.

The initiative also aligns with Odisha’s broader goals of rural development, digital inclusion in agriculture, and capacity-building among farming communities.