Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates on Wednesday reviewed many programmes undertaken by the Odisha Government in Bhubaneswar in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Gates attended several programmes, including one with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence for farmers, at the Krushi Bhawan.

He reviewed the programmes undertaken at Maa Mangla slum in the city. Gates, his team of officials and State Government officials discussed with the slum dwellers for more than half an hour.

Gates also had a special discussion about the transformational activities undertaken by the government in the slum with some women in the area after visiting a few houses.

Apart from meeting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Naveen Niwas, Gates attended other programmes related to the Jaga Mission (scheme for development of slums), the Mukta scheme (localised employment opportunities for the urban poor) and Mission Shakti.

He also visited the agricultural review centre at Krushi Bhawan.

Since 2021, the Odisha Government’s Departments of Agriculture & Farmer Empowerment and Fisheries and Animal resources have collaborated with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for innovation in data-driven decision-making.

“Gates observed the land rights given to the slum dwellers and toilets and drinking water facilities from tap provided at every household. He also interacted with the women on how the community, Mission Shakti group and Self Help Groups (SHG) have participated in the transformation programmes,” said Development Commissioner Anu Garg.