Odisha has recently bagged the prestigious “Best State for Agriculture” award at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave, held on July 9, 2025, in New Delhi. The award, presented by the Agriculture Today Group, highlights the state’s incredible progress in agricultural development. The honor was handed over to Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, in the presence of high-profile dignitaries, including Union Minister Piyush Goyal and former Chief Justice of India, Justice P. Sathasivam.
The recognition is a testament to Odisha’s outstanding achievements in agriculture, with its innovative approach to improving farming practices, enhancing sustainability, and ensuring inclusivity in the agricultural sector. This article will dive deeper into how Odisha’s agricultural practices are leading the way in India and why this award matters not only for the state but for India as a whole.
Odisha Recognized as Best State in Agriculture
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Best State for Agriculture at 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave |
| Award Presented to | Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo |
| Agricultural Contribution to GSVA | 19% of Odisha’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA) in 2024-25 |
| Growth Rate | 3.3% growth, surpassing the national average over the past 5 years |
| Rice Production | 115.39 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24 |
| Horticultural Exports | 121.82 metric tonnes exported to 10+ countries |
| Fruit Production Ranking | 2nd in India for overall fruit production |
| Official Source | Agriculture Today |
Odisha’s recognition as the Best State for Agriculture at the 16th Agriculture Leadership Conclave is more than just an accolade. It is a reflection of the hard work, vision, and strategic planning that have gone into building a robust, sustainable agricultural system. From innovative farming techniques and export strategies to a focus on farmer empowerment, Odisha has demonstrated that it’s possible to thrive in the agriculture sector even in the face of challenges.
For other states and farmers, Odisha’s journey offers a roadmap for success—one that combines technology, sustainability, and diversification to create a thriving agricultural landscape. As Odisha continues to lead by example, the nation can look to its agricultural model for inspiration in shaping the future of Indian farming.
Context: Odisha’s Agricultural Journey
Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is a state with rich agricultural heritage. Its fertile lands and vast irrigation resources have long made agriculture a backbone of its economy. Yet, over the years, the state has faced challenges such as floods, droughts, and an ever-increasing population. But, with the vision of a sustainable agricultural future, Odisha has managed to turn its fortunes around, achieving impressive growth in the sector.
In 2024–25, Odisha’s agricultural sector contributed around 19% to its Gross State Value Added (GSVA), an economic indicator that represents the market value of goods and services produced within a state. This significant contribution, coupled with an impressive 3.3% growth rate in the sector, demonstrates the state’s resilience and ability to thrive even in the face of adversity. What’s more, the growth has been consistently above the national average for the past five years, further solidifying the state’s place as a leader in agricultural reform.
What Makes Odisha Stand Out?
While the state is famous for its rice production, there’s more to Odisha’s agricultural success than just paddy fields. Odisha is a frontrunner in various sectors, including horticulture, cashew production, and even organic farming. This diversity of production has positioned Odisha as a key player in India’s agricultural landscape.
For instance, Odisha’s rice production in the 2023–24 season hit 115.39 lakh metric tonnes of rice, or around 174.83 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. This places it as one of the top producers in the country, making it the fourth-largest rice supplier to the Food Corporation of India (FCI). In fact, the state has consistently met its targets, contributing to India’s food security.
Beyond rice, the state has seen immense success in horticulture. Odisha has exported over 121.82 metric tonnes of horticultural produce, including dragon fruit, cashew nuts, mangoes, and vegetables. These exports are not just limited to nearby countries, but reach as far as Germany, Italy, Sweden, and even the UAE and Qatar.
A Diverse Crop Portfolio
What sets Odisha apart from other states is its diversified crop portfolio. According to recent data, Odisha ranks:
- 2nd in overall fruit production in India.
- 1st in the production of sweet potatoes and paddy straw mushrooms.
- 2nd in brinjal and cabbage production.
- 3rd in cashew nut production.
- 5th in watermelon, cauliflower, okra, tomato, and coconut production.
Such diversity ensures that Odisha’s agricultural sector is not only resilient but also adaptable to changing market demands, climate conditions, and global trends.
Practical Advice: Key Takeaways for Other States and Farmers
While Odisha has certainly achieved significant milestones, other states and farmers can learn from its approach to improving agricultural productivity. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps that made Odisha’s agricultural journey a success:
1. Focus on Innovation
Odisha has embraced technology and innovative farming practices to boost crop yields. From advanced irrigation systems to the use of drones for monitoring crops, the state has kept pace with global trends in agri-tech. For farmers, investing in tech can drastically improve efficiency, reduce water wastage, and boost yields. The adoption of smart irrigation and weather prediction systems has helped the state reduce dependency on unpredictable monsoon cycles.
2. Sustainable Farming Practices
In recent years, Odisha has placed a significant focus on sustainability. The state has pioneered organic farming techniques, promoting natural fertilizers and crop rotation. The Organic Farming Policy of Odisha has helped farmers achieve better soil health, resulting in long-term gains for both the environment and their yields.
3. Farmer Empowerment Initiatives
Odisha’s success is also attributed to the empowerment of farmers. The state has introduced several farmer-friendly schemes, including subsidies for seeds and fertilizers, training programs, and easier access to government schemes. These initiatives have equipped farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
4. Diversification of Crops
By diversifying its crops, Odisha has ensured that it is not overly reliant on one sector. This strategy has helped stabilize the agricultural economy, especially during challenging times. For instance, if the rice harvest is down due to poor weather, the state’s other crops, such as vegetables and fruits, can make up for the loss.
5. Expanding Exports
Odisha’s commitment to promoting exports has made it a key player in the global market. Farmers have been encouraged to explore export opportunities, and the state government has facilitated international trade relationships. For other states, looking into new export markets for local produce could be a game-changer.
FAQs
Q1: What factors led to Odisha’s recognition as the best state for agriculture?
Odisha’s recognition was due to its consistent growth in agricultural production, adoption of technology, sustainable practices, and diversification of crops. Its rice production, horticultural exports, and agricultural contributions to the economy played a major role.
Q2: How does Odisha’s agricultural growth compare to other states?
Odisha’s agricultural growth rate of 3.3% consistently surpasses the national average. It stands out due to its diversified crop portfolio, making it resilient to market and climate fluctuations.
Q3: What role do exports play in Odisha’s agricultural success?
Exports have played a significant role in Odisha’s agricultural success, particularly in horticultural products. By tapping into global markets, the state has not only expanded its agricultural economy but also created new income opportunities for farmers.
Q4: How can other states implement Odisha’s farming practices?
Other states can adopt Odisha’s practices by focusing on sustainable agriculture, embracing new technologies, and providing farmer training. A diversified crop portfolio, similar to Odisha’s, can also help shield states from economic downturns in any one agricultural sector.
Q5: What are some of the challenges Odisha faces in its agricultural sector?
Despite its successes, Odisha faces challenges like unpredictable weather patterns, inadequate infrastructure in rural areas, and the need for more water-efficient farming techniques. However, the state continues to tackle these issues head-on through government initiatives and innovation.
