Having transformed Odisha from a food-short state to a food-surplus state, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is leaving for Rome on Monday to tell the World Food Programme how he did it.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has invited Patnaik to its headquarters in Rome and share the transformative initiatives of Odisha in food security and disaster management. “From being dependent on others for its food security, Odisha has transformed itself into a food surplus state adding to the country’s public distribution system. From the severe loss faced during the super cyclone of 1999, Odisha is now a model in disaster management acknowledged by the United Nations,” said a press release issued from the chief minister's office.
In Rome, Patnaik will meet the executive director of WFP David Beasley and discussions with officials on Odisha’s partnership with WFP, and on possible future projects which can be tried out in the state. He will be accompanied by Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, Secretary to CM (5T) V K Pandian, Principal Secretary Food and Civil Supplies V V Yadav, Principal Secretary Industries Hemant Sharma and Resident Commissioner in New Delhi Ravi Kant
During his stay in Rome, Patnaik will also meet His Holiness Pope Francis in The Holy See, Vatican. He will also meet the Odia diaspora from various parts of Europe, and discuss the possible ways to engage with them in promoting the art and culture of Odisha.
On his way back, Patnaik will visit Dubai for a meeting with investors from the Middle East. A high level industrial delegation from Odisha will also be present during the meeting. There will also be a meeting with the Odia diaspora from the Middle East.
