Bhubaneswar: A high-level meeting was convened at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, to discuss the establishment of a Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Sambalpur.
The proposed university, under the ambit of the Central Agricultural University Act, 1992, aims to produce globally competitive graduates and postgraduates in agriculture and allied sciences. It is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, foster sustainable and profitable farming practices, and strengthen research and innovation in the sector.
Describing the initiative as a potential game changer for Odisha, Singh Deo stated, “The university will strengthen agricultural research, empower farmers, and promote innovative and sustainable farming methods. It will play a crucial role in ensuring food and nutritional security while transforming agriculture into a profitable enterprise.”
Key officials attending the meeting included Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment; Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Finance Department; Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary to the Government, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development; and Dr. Pravat Kumar Raul, Vice Chancellor of OUAT. The stakeholders shared critical inputs and suggestions regarding the establishment of the university.
