Government of Odisha and ICRISAT Sign MoU for Four RKVY Projects to Strengthen Seed Systems and Promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) for implementing four RKVY-DPR projects focused on strengthening seed systems on 28 August 2026.
The MoU was exchanged between Shri Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture & Food Production, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha, and Dr Manzoor Dar, Principal Scientist and Global Head – Seed Systems and Delivery, ICRISAT, in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Agriculture Minister of Odisha, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo; Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture, Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav; Chief Postmaster General (CPMG), Shri Nirmaljit Singh; Director of Horticulture, Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, and other senior officials.
The partnership aims to increase pulse and oilseed production and promote crop diversification in Odisha by combining the Government’s efforts in agricultural development with ICRISAT’s scientific expertise, technical knowledge and experience in seed systems. The collaboration will support the development and adoption of improved approaches to strengthen crop production and contribute to more diversified and resilient agricultural systems across the state.
The four projects covered under the MoU are:
- Strengthening Seed Systems of Pulses and Oilseeds (Greengram, Blackgram, Niger and Sesame) in Odisha
- Atmanirbhar Odisha in Pulses through Enhanced Seed Systems for Lentil, Fieldpea and Pigeonpea
- Developing Self-Sufficiency in Chickpea Seed Production and Delivery to Enhance Crop Diversification in Odisha
- Speed Breeding in Pulses for Faster Delivery of Climate-Resilient Varieties in Odisha State
Following the exchange of the MoU, Dr Manzoor Dar, Principal Scientist and Global Head – Seed Systems and Delivery, ICRISAT, presented an overview of the proposed interventions. These include the deployment of improved technologies, innovative approaches to seed production, and measures to enhance farmers’ access to quality, climate-resilient seeds.
The partnership will also support Odisha’s broader efforts towards self-sufficiency in pulse seed production, crop diversification, and faster access to improved, climate-resilient varieties for farmers.
Parkavi Kumar