New Delhi: Odisha has been officially recognized as the “Best State for Agriculture,” receiving the prestigious Agriculture Leadership Award at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave, a flagship event organized by the Agriculture Today Group, India’s premier media house in the agricultural sector. The esteemed award was proudly accepted by Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi today.
The award presentation, held at a distinguished gathering, saw the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, and Former Chief Justice of India and Chairman of the Award Committee, Justice P. Sathasivam, among other eminent personalities. This national acknowledgment underscores Odisha’s unwavering commitment and significant strides in agricultural growth and inclusive development.
Upon receiving the award, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Singh Deo dedicated it to the hardworking farmers of Odisha, stating, “This award is a testament to the innovation and hard work of the farmers of Odisha. I dedicate this award to the Annadatas of Odisha. The Government of Odisha expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Agriculture Today Group for this award and its commitment to make Odisha a model in sustainable agricultural development in India.”
DCM Shri Singh Deo further highlighted, “This national recognition reflects Odisha’s remarkable achievements in agricultural growth, innovation, and inclusive development.” The state’s agricultural sector has demonstrated robust performance, with agriculture and allied sectors contributing approximately 19% to Odisha’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in the financial year 2024-25, showcasing a growth of 3.3% that surpasses the national average over the past five years. Crucially, these sectors continue to be the single largest employer in the state, engaging 49.0% of the total workforce.
Odisha’s agricultural success is attributed to the state government’s forward-looking economic policies, sustained policy support, and substantial investments in rural infrastructure. Initiatives promoting crop diversification and the adoption of climate-resilient practices have been pivotal in elevating Odisha’s position in the national agricultural landscape. In 2023-24, the state’s rice production reached an impressive 115.39 lakh metric tonnes, equivalent to 174.83 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, solidifying Odisha’s position as the fourth largest rice supplier to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
The government’s relentless focus on modernizing agriculture through technology adoption, farmer training, and value chain development has led to improved productivity, increased rural incomes, and enhanced food security. A notable achievement includes Odisha leading the nation in tractor sales last year, indicating a significant boost in farm mechanization. The state’s farm power input has reached 2.60 kW per hectare in 2024-25, with an ambitious target of 3.5 kW per hectare by 2036.
Beyond domestic achievements, Odisha has also made significant inroads into international markets. The state successfully exported 121.82 metric tonnes of horticultural produce, including dragon fruit, cashew nuts, mango, and various vegetables, to Middle Eastern and European countries, leveraging international airports in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.
Odisha’s agricultural prowess is further underscored by its rankings in various produce categories: second in India for all types of fruit production, first in sweet potato and paddy straw mushroom production, second in brinjal and cabbage, third in cashew nuts, and fifth in watermelon, cauliflower, okra, tomato, and coconut.
The 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Union Minister of State for Skill Development and HRD Shri Jayanta Choudhury, Former Chief Justice of India Justice P. Sathasivam, and CM Haryana Shri Nayab Singh Saini, alongside international delegates and industry leaders, to deliberate on the future of agriculture.
Odisha’s recognition serves as a powerful testament to its holistic approach to agricultural development, setting a commendable benchmark for sustainable and inclusive growth across the nation, said Shri Ganeswar Jena, Additional Secretary Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department, Government of Odisha.