Odisha has been identified as top agricultural state and has received Agriculture Leadership Award at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave that was organised by the Agriculture Today Group.
As per official press release, the award was collected by the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
Interestingly, the award has been given in the auspicious presence of 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 in an event at New Delhi.
What the Deputy CM Deo said?
Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo mentioned that this award is a reward to the hard work of the farmers of Odisha. He dedicated this award to the annadatas of Odisha. The Government of Odisha expressed its gratitude to Agriculture Today Group for giving this award and its commitment to retain the position of Odisha in sustainable agricultural development in India.
The state government’s visionary policies, sustained policy support as well as substantial investments in rural infrastructure are the significant factors behind Odisha’s agricultural success. In 2023-24, the rice production in the state was recorded around 115.39 lakh metric tonnes, which is equal to 174.83 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. Notably, Odisha holds fourth position as rice supplier to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Odisha as a role model for other states
Notably, Odisha has the largest sale of tractors in India last year. Besides this, the government emphasis on modernising agriculture through technology adoption, farmer training and value chain development due to which the state has observed enhanced productivity, rise of rural income and enhanced food security. In 2024 2025, the state’s agriculture power input was recorded at 2.60 kW per acre. By 2036, the goal is to reach 3.5 kilowatt per hectare.
On the other hand, around 121.82 metric tonnes of horticultural products like dragon fruit, cashew nuts, mango and several types of vegetables has been exported from Odisha to the Middle East countries such as United Arab Emirates, Qatar, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Poland, and Germany. In addition, Odisha stands at second position in India in terms of all types of fruit production.
On a related note, the conclave was attended by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and HRD Jayanta Choudhury; Former Chief Justice of India Justice P. Sathasivam and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Not only this, several prominent personalities from numerous fields like the Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, Canadian High Commission, corporate sector, health, industry, education, research, banking, pesticides, farm machinery manufacturers, financial institutions, have participated in the conclave.