December 22nd 2024.
The Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, expressed his confidence in the state's ability to lead the way in inclusive and sustainable agricultural reforms. He believed that by fostering innovative ideas and collaborations, they could shape a resilient agricultural future, where every farmer can thrive. This was his message at the policy roundtable titled "Advancing Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Odisha", which brought together policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners to exchange ideas and strategies.
The roundtable, held in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute and the CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies, was attended by over 100 participants. It aimed to showcase Odisha's potential as a global model for inclusive and sustainable growth. The Deputy CM reaffirmed the state's commitment to equitable growth and emphasized the need for collaboration and innovation to achieve this goal.
The Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Arabinda Kumar Padhee, also stressed the importance of innovation and inclusivity in the agricultural sector. He believed that successful strategies should be scaled up to ensure tangible benefits for farmers, positioning Odisha as a frontrunner in sustainable agricultural practices. He said, "Odisha's agriculture sector stands at the forefront of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. We are scaling these successes and ensuring that every farmer benefits from our shared vision. Together, we can make Odisha a model state for sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth."
The roundtable discussions revolved around five critical themes vital for inclusive agricultural growth. Shahidur Rashid, the South Asia Director of IFPRI, highlighted the significance of evidence-based strategies to address challenges and create benchmarks for the region's growth. He said, "The roundtable underscores the potential of evidence-based strategies to address challenges and harness opportunities for inclusive agricultural growth in Odisha. The discussions today will set benchmarks for the region."
One of the key outcomes of the event was the decision to establish an advisory group comprising representatives from the Odisha government, IFPRI, and other technical partners. This group will work together to refine and implement Inclusive Agricultural Transformation indicators, aligning them with Odisha's long-term development goals. Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Commissioner cum Secretary of the Department of Cooperation, emphasized the importance of market linkages in empowering smallholder farmers. He believed that Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) play a crucial role in ensuring equitable market access and enabling farmers to secure fair prices, ultimately improving their livelihoods.
Monica Priyadarshini, Director of Mission Shakti, highlighted the transformative role of women's collectives in promoting agricultural growth and strengthening rural livelihoods. She noted that women's empowerment through Mission Shakti has been instrumental in driving inclusive and sustainable development across the state. The roundtable also focused on strategies to enhance climate resilience, including soil and water management, crop diversification, and adaptive practices to mitigate climate risks.
As the event came to a close, participants expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration and innovation in Odisha's agricultural sector. They believed that by working together and implementing evidence-based strategies, Odisha could become a model state for inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth. This event was a step towards achieving that goal, and the discussions and decisions made will set the benchmark for the region's future agricultural development.
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