Odisha’s farmer-centric approach and progressive agri-policies have made it a national model for sustainable and inclusive growth
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha has been acknowledged as the premier state for agriculture and has been awarded the Agriculture Leadership Award established by the Agriculture Today Group. This accolade was presented during the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave, which was organized by the Agriculture Today Group, a leading media entity in the agricultural domain in India.
As per an official press release, the award was accepted by the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
The award was conferred at a prestigious event held in New Delhi, attended by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Piyush Goyal, Former Chief Justice of India and Chairman of the Award Committee, Justice P. Sathasivam, along with other esteemed guests.
Odisha has been acknowledged as the premier state for agriculture and has been awarded the Agriculture Leadership Award established by the Agriculture Today Group. This accolade was presented during the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave, which was organized by the Agriculture Today Group, a leading media entity in the agricultural domain in India.
As per an official press release, the award was accepted by the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
The award was conferred at a prestigious event held in New Delhi, attended by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Piyush Goyal, Former Chief Justice of India and Chairman of the Award Committee, Justice P. Sathasivam, along with other esteemed guests.
Odisha’s agricultural advancement can be attributed to the state government’s progressive economic policies, consistent policy support, and significant investments in rural infrastructure. The government’s initiatives to promote crop diversification and the adoption of climate-resilient practices have positioned Odisha at the forefront today. In the 2023-24 period, rice production in the state reached 115.39 lakh metric tonnes, which is equivalent to 174.83 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. Odisha ranks as the fourth-largest rice supplier to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
The state has experienced enhanced productivity, increased rural income, and improved food security as a result of the government’s emphasis on modernizing agriculture through the adoption of technology, farmer training, and value chain development. Last year, Odisha recorded the highest tractor sales in India. The farm power input in the state reached 2.60 kW per hectare in 2024-25, with a target of achieving 3.5 kW per hectare by 2036.
Odisha exported 121.82 metric tonnes of horticultural products, including dragon fruit, cashew nuts, mangoes, and various vegetables, to Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE, Qatar, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Poland, and Germany via Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
In terms of overall fruit production, Odisha ranks second in India, first in sweet potato production, first in paddy straw mushroom production, second in brinjal and cabbage, third in cashew nuts, and fifth in the production of watermelon, cauliflower, okra, tomato, lemon, and coconut. Odisha’s dedication to sustainable and inclusive agricultural development has established a benchmark for other states to follow.
The conclave for Skill Development and HRD was honored by the presence of Union Minister of State Jayanta Choudhury; Former Chief Justice of India, Justice P. Sathasivam, and CM Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini. Numerous distinguished individuals from diverse sectors, including representatives from the Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, the Canadian High Commission, as well as professionals from the corporate sector, health, industry, education, research, banking, pesticides, farm machinery manufacturing, and financial institutions, were also in attendance.