Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Shrimati Anu Garg visited the Horticulture Farm at Deras to review its cutting-edge innovations transforming the state’s agricultural landscape. Exploring high-tech developments—including a papaya pro-tray nursery, high-density VNR Bihi guava plantation, dragon fruit and red banana cultivation, and a 10 MT solar-powered cold storage facility—she evaluated initiatives driving sustainable, climate-smart farming.
She inspected high-tech farming facilities, including shade-net structures, papaya nurseries, seedless VNR Vahi guava cultivation, dragon fruit, red banana farming, and a 10 metric ton solar-powered cold storage system.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav and Horticulture Director Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman briefed her on modern farming practices and farmer capacity-building programs.
Smt. Garg advised officials to expand the scope of the horticulture centre beyond demonstration and training by promoting agro-tourism. She highlighted that field visits and exposure to modern horticulture would provide hands-on learning for students, farmers, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
Earlier the Chief Secretary visited Deras Seafood Park to evaluate marine food processing, value addition, exports, and related industrial challenges. During her visit, she engaged in detailed discussions with leading exporters from the state to gather feedback and address key operational issues.
She emphasized developing the Deras Seafood Park into a fully operational and export-oriented marine food hub by boosting investment, production, and processing capabilities. The initiative aligns with the vision of Blue Economy under Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming for 100 percent utilization of the facility.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Smt. Subha Sharma, OPTCL Managing Director Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Fisheries and ARD Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary, and IDCO Managing Director Shri D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy.
The Chief Secretary reviewed allotted plots, active units, and ongoing construction, directing officials to strengthen basic infrastructure and restore inactive common facilities promptly.
She concluded her trip by visiting the Deras Eco Park and the Jhumuka Irrigation Bungalow alongside Tourism Director Shri Dipankar Mohapatra and other department officials to assess their eco-tourism potential.