Odisha Hosts Policy Roundtable on Inclusive Agricultural Transformation

Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha, in partnership with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies (NPS), hosted a landmark Policy Roundtable in Bhubaneswar, focusing on inclusive agricultural transformation and regional collaboration.

The event brought together over 100 participants, including policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, and international experts, to explore innovative strategies for advancing Odisha’s agricultural sector. Themed “Advancing Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Odisha,” the discussions highlighted the state’s leadership in sustainable agricultural practices and its potential to serve as a model for other regions globally.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized Odisha’s commitment to equitable growth, stating, “Odisha is poised to lead the way in inclusive and sustainable agricultural reforms. Market linkages, supported by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), are central to empowering smallholder farmers and ensuring fair prices.”

Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, reinforced the state’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. “Odisha’s agriculture sector is a beacon of inclusivity. Together, we can scale our successes and establish Odisha as a model state for sustainable agricultural growth,” he said.

The roundtable revolved around five critical themes central to Odisha’s agricultural progress:

• Inclusive Agricultural Transformation: Frameworks and indicators tailored to Odisha’s unique agricultural context were discussed.
• Enhancing Market Access: Panelists explored innovations like geospatial data and value chain optimization to connect smallholder farmers with equitable markets.
• Strengthening Climate Resilience: Adaptive strategies, including climate-smart agriculture and crop diversification, were proposed to combat climate risks.
• Empowering Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Best practices and structural reforms for FPO sustainability were highlighted.
• Advancing Data Integrity: Emphasis was placed on real-time data systems for informed decision-making and program evaluation.

Dr. Shahidur Rashid, South Asia Director at IFPRI, noted, “This roundtable demonstrates the power of evidence-based strategies in addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities for inclusive agricultural growth in Odisha.”

The event concluded with a commitment to establish an Advisory Group comprising representatives from the Government of Odisha, IFPRI, and technical partners. This group will refine and implement Inclusive Agricultural Transformation indicators aligned with Odisha’s long-term development objectives.

Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, emphasized, “Inclusive Agricultural Transformation is integral to Odisha’s vision of sustainable development.” Sri Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Director of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment, reiterated the state’s focus on creating a resilient, equitable, and market-linked agricultural system.

Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, Director of Mission Shakti, highlighted the transformative role of women’s collectives in strengthening rural livelihoods. “Women are key agents of agricultural growth, driving inclusive and sustainable development,” she said.