OUAT Marks 65th Foundation Day, Govt Assures Farmers of Support and Adequate Fertiliser Supply

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) marked its 65th Foundation Day on Wednesday with a focus on strengthening agricultural education, promoting climate-resilient farming and supporting farmers through technology and innovation.

Addressing the celebrations at Krushi Shiksha Sadan, Deputy Chief Minister and OUAT Pro-Chancellor Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the government was committed to helping farmers achieve their aspirations through various targeted schemes. He also assured farmers that adequate stocks of fertilisers were available across Odisha and urged them not to be concerned about supplies.

Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik stressed the importance of farmers in building a prosperous Odisha. He called for greater involvement of young people in agriculture and allied sectors to help enhance farmers’ incomes.

Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav called for wider adoption of scientific and climate-resilient agricultural practices. He urged OUAT to serve as a living laboratory for emerging technologies, including drones, robotics and sensor-based systems, to modernise farming and improve productivity.

OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Pravat Kumar Roul highlighted the university’s contribution to agricultural education, research and extension over the past six decades. He said the institution would continue to pursue innovation and work towards empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector in Odisha.

As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, 37 new publications were released and several digital initiatives were launched. New facilities, including Vidyarthi Bhavan, Udhyamita Bhavan, Bhubaneswaree Girls’ Hostel and a Veterinary Complex, were also inaugurated virtually.

The university also felicitated 33 women agri-entrepreneurs for their contributions to the agriculture sector. An agricultural fair showcasing produce from farmers across different districts of Odisha was organised as part of the celebrations.

Outstanding achievements by students, faculty, staff and institutions were also recognised during the programme. Samikhya Pal and Prateek Rath of the College of Agriculture received the Best Female Graduate and Best Male Graduate awards, respectively.

Among the faculty and staff awardees were Dr Sanjay Kumar Roul (Best Teacher), Dr Debadatta Sethi (Best Scientist), Dr Dabanagere Lenka (Best Extension Scientist), Dr Kabita Sethi (Best Woman Scientist), Dr Debra Meher (Best Technical Staff) and Saroj Kumar Nayak (Best Ministerial Staff).

Institutional awards were presented to AICRP on Linseed as Best AICRP, KVK Mayurbhanj-II as Best KVK and AICRP on Cashew as the Best Seed & QPM Production Unit.

The celebrations highlighted OUAT’s continuing role in advancing agricultural research, innovation and farmer-oriented education while strengthening Odisha’s efforts towards a more technology-driven and resilient farm sector.