Nobel Laureate Michael Kremer Visits Odisha’s Krushi Bhavan, Applauds Agricultural Progress

Bhubaneswar: Nobel Laureate and University of Chicago Professor Dr. Michael Kremer visited Krushi Bhavan in Bhubaneswar today to observe the advancements in Odisha’s agriculture sector. Recognized with the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on reducing global poverty, Dr. Kremer praised the state’s resilience and innovative strategies in agricultural development.

Dr. Kremer commended the increase in crop production in Odisha despite challenges such as the devastating impact of cyclone ‘Dana.’ He also appreciated the state’s commitment to empowering farmers through technology, particularly the regular provision of weather updates via the ‘Krushak Samrudhi’ portal, which supports informed decision-making in farming practices.

During his visit, Dr. Kremer toured the ‘Krushak Samikhya Kendra,’ an integrated command and control center of the Agriculture Department. He gained insights into its operational mechanisms and data-driven approaches to enhancing agricultural outcomes.

Dr. Kremer noted his team’s past collaborations with Odisha’s agriculture department and expressed optimism for continued partnerships to address global challenges in agriculture and poverty alleviation.

The Nobel Laureate was accompanied by senior officials, including Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department; Prem Chandra Choudhary, Director of Agriculture; and Nikhil Pawan Kalyan, Director of Horticulture. Their discussions focused on leveraging innovative solutions to further enhance the state’s agricultural landscape.

Dr. Kremer’s visit highlights Odisha’s growing prominence as a leader in integrating technology and innovation in agriculture. His endorsement of the state’s efforts underscores the global relevance of Odisha’s approach to sustainable and resilient farming practices.