Odisha bags Agriculture Leadership Award as best state in farming; Minister Singh Deo dedicates it to ‘annadatas’

Odisha has been conferred with the prestigious Agriculture Leadership Award at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave, organised by a leading national media institution in the agricultural sector. 

This recognition places Odisha at the forefront of agricultural innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development in India.

The award was received by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, KV Singh Deo, at a grand ceremony held in New Delhi. 

The event was graced by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Former Chief Justice of India Justice P. Sathasivam, and other dignitaries from India and abroad.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and innovation of Odisha's farmers. I dedicate this honour to the annadatas of our state,” said Singh Deo and reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to building a model for sustainable agricultural development.

Odisha has made remarkable progress in agriculture in recent years. In FY 2024–25, agriculture and allied sectors contributed 19% to the state's Gross State Value Added (GSVA), growing at 3.3%, which surpasses the national average over the last five years. Agriculture remains the largest source of employment in Odisha, engaging around 49% of the total workforce.

Odisha’s achievements stem from sustained policy support, increased rural infrastructure investments, crop diversification, and the promotion of climate-resilient farming practices. 

In 2023–24, the state produced 115.39 lakh metric tonne of rice, equivalent to 174.83 lakh metric tonne of paddy, making it the fourth largest rice supplier to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

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Additionally, Odisha is a leading horticulture exporter. In the past year alone, the state exported 121.82 metric tonne of produce, including dragon fruit, cashew nuts, mangoes, and vegetables to the Middle East and Europe, using international cargo hubs in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.

The state also leads in agricultural mechanisation. Odisha recorded the highest tractor sales in India last year and increased its farm power input to 2.60 kW/hectare, targeting 3.5 kW/hectare by 2036.

In terms of crop rankings, Odisha is:

• 1st in production of sweet potato and paddy straw mushroom
• 2nd in total fruit, brinjal, and cabbage production
• 3rd in cashew nuts
• 5th in watermelon, cauliflower, okra, tomato, lemon, and coconut production

This national honour highlights Odisha’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable, innovation-driven agriculture and serves as a model for other states striving toward rural prosperity and food security.