Bhubaneswar: A significant step was taken today towards boosting the agricultural sector in Western Odisha with a proposal to establish a Central Agricultural University in Sambalpur.
The proposal was discussed in a meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Energy, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.
The meeting focused on the establishment of the university under the Central Agricultural University Act, 1992, with a primary goal to produce highly skilled graduates and post-graduates in agriculture and allied sciences. This is seen as a crucial move to meet the challenges of global competitiveness and enhance the region’s agricultural output.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Singh Deo emphasized the profound impact of this decision on Western Odisha. He stated that the proposed university would be a “game changer,” advancing agricultural research, empowering local farmers, and promoting innovation in sustainable farming methods.
He further added that the university would play a vital role in transforming agriculture and related professions into profitable enterprises, ultimately ensuring food and nutritional security for the people of the region.
The meeting saw active participation and important opinions presented by Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee; Finance Department, Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra; Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Shri Suresh Kumar Vashisth; and Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Dr. Pravat Kumar Raul.
Their contributions underscored the collective commitment to making this vision a reality, with a specific focus on the development of Western Odisha.