Bill Gates In India: Microsoft Co-Founder Discusses Farmers’ Welfare With Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

Odisha govt has been working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation since 2017 to work on shared goals of improving the income of farmers, nutrition security and climate resilience in the state.

Bill Gates was honoured with the highest award of KIIT and KISS fraternity — the KISS Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work in 2023. ( Image Source :X/@Naveen_Odisha )

The former CEO of Microsoft, Bill Gates, has come to India for a visit. Gates on Wednesday called upon the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Nivas. During the meeting, Gates discussed a range of issues with Patnaik related to the welfare of farmers, development initiatives taken by the government for farmers and the use of AI for them. He also visited Krushi Bhavan — the headquarters of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment.

The Odisha government has been collaborating with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation since 2017 to work on shared goals of improving the income of farmers, nutrition security and climate resilience in the state. A press release while talking about this collaboration said, “This partnership has allowed the state to emerge as a leader in Digital Public Infrastructure, with the government launching key farmer-facing systems including the Krushak Odisha database, GO-SUGAM portal, and Ama Krushi extension system."

Appreciate the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for supporting innovation in extending inclusive benefits to our people. Thanked him for his praise for #Odisha’s welfare initiatives and our success in different sectors through #5T transformative governance. pic.twitter.com/8XJh6hWjkm

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 28, 2024

Bill Gates Honoured With KISS Humanitarian Award

During his visit to Odisha, he was honoured with the highest award of KIIT and KISS fraternity — the KISS Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work in 2023.

While presenting Gates with this award, KIIT, KISS & KIMS founder Achyuta Samanta said, “Awarding Bill Gates with the KISS Humanitarian Award not only honours his exceptional contributions but also elevates the prestige of this recognition. His acceptance sets a new benchmark for humanitarian work globally. It is a profound honour for us that Bill Gates is joining the esteemed roster of our awardees.”

Gates also visited the Mission Shakti Bazar in Odisha which is run by women. At the Bazar, he bought a Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric) among a few other products. He also visited the Krushi Samiksha Kendra which is India’s first centralised monitoring system in agriculture.

He also visited a slum and interacted with the people there.