THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 22, 2026

Krushi Odisha-2026, a landmark agri-expo poised to redefine the future of farming in the state, was inaugurated today at the Biju Patnaik Playground in Bhubaneswar by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The mega event brings together policymakers, scientists, agri-entrepreneurs, institutions and farmers on a single platform with a clear vision of transforming Odisha’s agricultural landscape through innovation, sustainability and stronger market integration.

The expo seeks to catalyse growth in the farm sector by fostering institutional interaction and partnerships that can strengthen the overall agricultural ecosystem. Highlighting the broader objective of the initiative, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Dr Padhee said, “Krushi Odisha provides a platform for institutional interaction and partnership to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem.” The event underscores the state government’s commitment to making agriculture more resilient, profitable and market-driven.

Krushi Odisha-2026 focuses on showcasing best products, practices and emerging technologies that enhance farm profitability, while also building a deeper understanding of value chain management for agri-commodities. It aims to serve as a vibrant interface for collaboration and linkage among market players, agri-preneurs and farmers, thereby opening new avenues for income generation and rural prosperity.

The inaugural day featured two in-depth technical sessions that drew keen interest from participants. These sessions focused on Market Driven Speciality Rice Cultivation and Promoting Seedpreneurs Sustainable Seed Production, reflecting the state’s emphasis on crop diversification, quality seed availability and entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to launch the Odisha Agriculture Drought Mitigation Program, reinforcing Odisha’s proactive approach towards climate resilience and risk mitigation in farming. The expo also showcased demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies such as drones in agriculture, alongside exhibitions highlighting best farm practices and modern solutions for sustainable farming.

The programme witnessed the presence of several eminent dignitaries including Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Vice-Chancellor OUAT Dr Pravat Kumar Roul, Director General ICRISAT Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director Agriculture Shubham Saxena, Director Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman and Director Soil Conservation & Watershed Management Subrat Kumar Panda, adding gravitas to the occasion.

Later in the day, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated the state-level farm mechanization Mela and associated exhibitions, further underlining the importance of mechanisation in improving productivity and reducing drudgery. Successful farmers were also felicitated, celebrating their achievements and inspiring others to adopt innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.