Sambalpur: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday inaugurated a series of development initiatives in the district and announced infrastructure projects worth around Rs 3,500 crore, asserting that the welfare of the poor and prosperity of farmers remain the government’s top priorities.
Addressing a gathering at Ainthapali after inaugurating the Subhadra Shakti, Matsya O Pranee Sampad and Krushi Jantrapati Mela–2026, Pradhan said nearly 3 lakh families and 15 lakh residents of Sambalpur district are being brought under focused development measures covering basic amenities, education, healthcare, employment and livelihood opportunities.
Outlining the vision of the “double-engine government”, he said the administration is committed to strengthening the district’s economy through agriculture and allied sectors. “Our resolve is ‘Samrudha Krushak, Samrudha Sambalpur’. A prosperous farmer will ensure a prosperous district,” he said.
Describing Sambalpur as primarily an agrarian district, Pradhan said special incentives and financial assistance are being extended not only to crop cultivators but also to dairy and fish farmers. Support has been provided for the construction of a new godown with the assistance of MCL, while plans are under way to manufacture milk powder, curd and other dairy products at the OMFED plant in Sambalpur. The move, he said, will significantly benefit local dairy farmers by creating better market linkages.
Highlighting paddy procurement, the minister said more than 31 lakh quintals have so far been procured in the district by the Centre and the state government. Tokens have been issued for the purchase of the remaining 1 lakh quintals, ensuring that farmers are not inconvenienced. He added that under the Krishi Udyami scheme, loans worth crores of rupees are being extended to encourage rural youth to take up agriculture and allied activities as viable enterprises.
On infrastructure, Pradhan said projects to be implemented by the PWD and RD departments over the next two years will transform the district’s connectivity. The ongoing Ring Road project, construction of overbridges and expansion of key road corridors are being executed at a fast pace, he said, adding that improved transport infrastructure will accelerate trade and ease urban congestion.
In a bid to create overseas employment avenues, he said a plan has been drawn up in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to train and facilitate placements of local youth in the hospitality sector in countries such as Japan and Denmark.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to holistic development, Pradhan said coordinated efforts among the agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and animal husbandry departments would help raise incomes and improve living standards across the district.
On the sidelines of the event, the minister also inaugurated ambulance services and distributed high-yielding cows to farmers under MCL’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
