ICRISAT signs MoU with Odisha under National Drought Mitigation Project

ICRISAT has signed an MoU with the Government of Odisha to support climate-resilient agriculture. The agreement coincided with the launch of the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme during Krushi Odisha 2026 in Bhubaneswar.

Sangareddy: International Crop Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha, reaffirming its role as one of the key implementing partners supporting climate-resilient agriculture in the State.

The milestone was marked with the launch of the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Programme (OADMP) under the National Drought Mitigation Programme (NDMP) at Krushi Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.

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The understanding was reached during Krushi Odisha 2026, organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), Government of Odisha, on January 22. Reinforcing the importance of inclusive agricultural development during the inaugural session, Director General of ICRISAT Dr Himanshu Pathak highlighted how Odisha’s integrated approach has positioned the State as a model for India.

“What is particularly commendable is Odisha’s strategic shift under the State Agriculture Policy 2020 from production alone to systems that are remunerative, resilient and nutrition-focused. This is precisely the direction that global agriculture must take if we are to respond effectively to climate change, nutrition challenges and rural livelihoods in an integrated manner,” Dr Pathak stated.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also spoke on the occasion.

At the Krushi Odisha 2026 exhibition, ICRISAT also showcased its novel solar-powered water hyacinth harvester, developed under the project “sustainable valorisation of water hyacinth biomass through aerobic composting as a rural enterprise, a waste-to-wealth initiative”, supported by the Government of Odisha. The exhibit was recognised among the top three exhibits in the Open Display category at Krushi Odisha 2026.