New Delhi: The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha under the National Drought Mitigation Programme during Krushi Odisha 2026, organized by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment. The three-day flagship event, inaugurated on January 22, 2026, witnessed the launch of the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme aimed at strengthening climate-resilient agriculture in the state.
The MoU signing took place in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and senior officials from state departments, national and international research institutions, and academia. Addressing the gathering, ICRISAT Director General Dr Himanshu Pathak praised Odisha’s integrated and inclusive agricultural approach, calling it a model for India, while the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the role of farmers in transforming Odisha into a self-sufficient and exporting state.
During the event, ICRISAT showcased its solar-powered water hyacinth harvester, which was recognized among the top three exhibits. ICRISAT also organized a high-level technical session on making Odisha self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds, outlining a roadmap for achieving self-sufficiency by 2030, further strengthening its long-standing partnership with the state.