New Delhi: Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Friday highlighted Odisha’s focus on climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture during the National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2026 held at Pusa in New Delhi.
The conference was inaugurated by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of Ministers of State Bhagirath Choudhary, Ramnath Thakur, and representatives from 19 states.
Discussions during the conference focused on key agricultural priorities, including climate resilience, preparedness for possible El Niño conditions, crop diversification, seed quality improvement, and promotion of natural farming practices.
In a post on X, Singh Deo said: “For Odisha, these priorities resonate with our mission – empowering farmers through innovation, expanding pulses and oilseeds cultivation, advancing natural and organic farming, and building resilient agri-infrastructure. Together, we are shaping a roadmap where agriculture is not only productive but also sustainable, dignified, and transformative for every farmer.”
On the second day of the event, Chouhan held detailed discussions with state agriculture ministers, scientists, senior officials, and progressive farmers on strategies for accelerating agricultural growth through policy support, innovation, and farmer-centric initiatives, according to an official statement.
Describing the gathering as a meeting of the “Agriculture Team of India,” the Union minister said stronger coordination between the Centre and states was essential for improving agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.
Chouhan also said India has recorded its highest-ever food-grain production, with the third advance estimates placing total output at around 376.563 million tonnes. He credited the achievement to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scientific advancements, farmers’ efforts, and cooperation from states.
He added that India has emerged as a global leader in rice production while also registering significant progress in wheat, maize, pulses, and oilseeds output.
