Bhubaneswar: The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) celebrated its 65th Foundation Day at Krushi Shiksha Sadan here on Sunday, with speakers stressing farmer welfare, scientific agriculture and the need to harness modern technology to make Odisha’s agriculture more resilient and prosperous.
Deputy Chief Minister and OUAT Pro-Chancellor Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who attended the event as the chief guest, said the government was committed to helping farmers realise their aspirations through various targeted schemes. He also urged farmers not to worry about fertiliser availability, saying adequate stocks were available across the state to meet their requirements.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development and MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik underlined the crucial contribution of farmers to building a prosperous Odisha and called for greater involvement of the youth in agriculture to help double farmers’ incomes.
Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav called for wider adoption of scientific and climate-resilient agricultural practices. He urged OUAT to function as a living laboratory for emerging technologies, including drones, robotics and sensors, to support modern farming.
OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Pravat Kumar Roul highlighted the university’s contribution to agricultural education, research and extension and said the institution would continue working towards empowering farmers and achieving new milestones.
As part of the celebrations, 37 new publications were released and several digital initiatives were launched. New facilities, including Vidyarthi Bhavan, Udhyamita Bhavan, Bhubaneswaree Girls’ Hostel and a new Veterinary Complex, were also virtually inaugurated.
The university felicitated 33 women agri-entrepreneurs and organised an agricultural fair showcasing farm produce from different districts of Odisha.
Outstanding achievements by students, faculty, staff and institutions were also recognised during the programme. Samikhya Pal was awarded Best Female Graduate and Prateek Rath Best Male Graduate from the College of Agriculture, Bhawanipatna.
Among faculty and staff, Dr Sanjay Kumar Roul received the Best Teacher award, Debadatta Sethi was named Best Scientist, 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 went to AICRP on Linseed as Best AICRP, KVK Mayurbhanj-II as Best KVK and AICRP on Cashew as the Best Seed and QPM Production Unit.
The programme began with a welcome address by Professor Sushanta Kumar Swain, Director of the Directorate of Agricultural Extension Education. University Registrar Pratibha Dora proposed the vote of thanks.
