Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment today released 15 new horticultural crop varieties during a meeting of the State Seed Sub-Committee, chaired by Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee. The release marks a significant step in boosting Odisha’s horticultural sector with innovative and farmer-friendly varieties. The varieties recommended by the screening committee include…

Bhubaneswar: Punjab & Sind Bank is set to expand its footprint in Odisha, with plans to open 20 new branches and establish a zonal office in Bhubaneswar during the Financial Year 2025–26. The announcement was made today by Ravi Mehra, Executive Director of the Bank, during a courtesy call on Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at…

Bhubaneswar: In a major step toward transforming Odisha into a maritime hub, the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a mega shipbuilding cluster in the state. The initiative aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which seeks to position the…

Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Friday reviewed the fertilizer availability in Odisha and directed strict enforcement against black marketing and smuggling, ensuring that farmers receive timely supplies for the ongoing agricultural season. The high-level meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan and attended by senior officials from key departments. During the review, Dr. Arabinda…

Bhubaneswar: The state-wide “NIPUN Week” program, organized by the School & Mass Education Department, concluded on a high note, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and parents across government schools in Odisha. The final day saw schools transform into vibrant hubs of learning, with activities designed to deepen engagement and build awareness around the importance…

Bhubaneswar: Agricultural Producer Clusters (APCs) in Odisha are emerging as a powerful model for rural prosperity, empowering women farmers with modern technology, market linkages, and higher incomes. The impact of this transformation was evident today when a World Bank team, accompanied by the Project Director of OIIPCRA and other officials, visited the Maa Kalijai APC…

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has taken another decisive step toward its vision of Samrudha Odisha 2036, with the State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) approving 25 new investment proposals worth ₹4,739 crore. Chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, IAS, the 140th SLSWCA meeting cleared projects that are expected to generate 25,200 employment opportunities across multiple districts…

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has stepped up its focus on agricultural mechanization, with plans to organize a series of Farm Mechanization Melas across the state between November 2025 and January 2026. The initiative, aimed at transforming farming practices and empowering farmers, will feature 4 Regional Melas, 26 District-level Melas, and 28 Sub-divisional Melas. Presently, Odisha’s…

Bhubaneswar: The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), convened a high-level regional dialogue titled “Food Policy for a Changing World: Lessons and Priorities for South Asia” in New Delhi on September 16. The event also marked the South Asia launch of IFPRI’s 2025 Global Food…

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has charted out a comprehensive action plan to address the growing menace of stray cattle on highways and urban roads, aiming to safeguard both commuters and animals. A high-level meeting chaired by Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, Usha Padhee, was convened today to deliberate on integrated measures for road safety…