Bhubaneswar: A delegation from Odisha's Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, accompanied by a group of farmers, is set to undertake a seven-day international exposure trip to Malaysia.

This initiative is part of the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA), organized by the state agriculture department in partnership with the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) and BIRD, Lucknow.

The primary goal of this visit is to offer practical learning experiences in advanced horticultural methods and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Throughout the week, participants will explore agro-based industries, engage with agricultural experts and entrepreneurs, and visit agro-research facilities, focusing on mushroom production technologies, value addition, and contemporary packaging techniques.

Fourteen farmers from various districts, along with an equal number of agricultural officials, are scheduled to depart for Malaysia on April 19 for this enriching international exposure program.

On Friday, the flag-off ceremony took place at Krushi Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

Also present were Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee.

"The insights gained during this visit will be crucial for the officers and farmers, who will later train others and implement the technical knowledge in their respective regions. I have instructed them to document their daily learnings and submit a report to the government upon their return to Odisha," stated the Agriculture Minister.

He further mentioned that the reports submitted by the officers will be reviewed and taken into account for their promotions.

Shudhanshu KK Mishra, Chief General Manager of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), noted that the farmers aim to gain technical expertise in enhancing palm oil cultivation, boosting paddy production, and diversifying crops for implementation in Odisha.