Bhubaneswar: Odisha is rapidly emerging as a global leader in sustainable agriculture, with its groundbreaking initiatives taking center stage at the East of England Net Zero and Climate Change Conference 2025 in Chelmsford, UK. Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, captivated delegates with his insights into how the state is driving an agricultural transformation, particularly through regenerative practices and the globally acclaimed Millet Mission.
Dr. Padhee, a distinguished agricultural scientist and a dedicated civil servant highlighted Odisha’s proactive approach to addressing climate change through its farming sector. “Regenerative agricultural practices are not just buzzwords; they are the bedrock of our strategy for sustainable development and emission reduction,” stated Dr. Padhee during his address. He emphasized the state’s commitment to improving soil health, conserving biodiversity, and minimizing the environmental footprint of farming, citing successful programs like the Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management Program.
A key focus of Dr. Padhee’s presentation was the Odisha Millet Mission (OMM), also known as “Shree Anna Abhiyan.” Launched in 2017-18, this mission has garnered international recognition as a pioneering example of a government-led, multi-stakeholder intervention to revive millets. Dr. Padhee underscored the mission’s inclusive approach, which empowers smallholder and tribal farmers – the traditional custodians of millet seeds – by ensuring equity throughout the value chain.
The OMM’s success, Dr. Padhee explained, stems from its end-to-end value chain approach, encompassing everything from farmer capacity building and production to market development, value addition, and consumer awareness. He proudly noted how the mission has actively promoted indigenous ragi landraces, some of which are now gaining global recognition.
Further demonstrating Odisha’s forward-thinking policies, Dr. Padhee elaborated on the integration of millets into public programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and school nutrition initiatives, driving sustainable demand and behavioral change. The mission’s focus on Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) has also significantly contributed to rural economic empowerment.
Beyond millets, Dr. Padhee detailed Odisha’s broader vision for resilient food systems. This includes leveraging digital platforms, promoting crop diversification, and strengthening market linkages for farmers. He also highlighted the state’s recent strategic partnership with the Gates Foundation, which aims to further inclusive agriculture transformation through AI-enabled applications, precision agriculture, and climate-smart innovations.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee’s presentation at the East of England Net Zero and Climate Change Conference 2025 served as a powerful testament to Odisha’s leadership in sustainable agriculture. The state’s commitment to regenerative practices and its highly successful Millet Mission are providing a replicable model for other regions striving to achieve net-zero targets and build a more resilient, food-secure future.