Bhubaneswar: The inaugural session of the Agricultural Knowledge Lecture Series titled Viksit Odisha for a Developed India convened at the Krishi Bhawan Auditorium marking a pivotal moment in the state’s strategic alignment with the national development roadmap.
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research delivered the keynote address outlining a comprehensive framework for the future of Indian agriculture with a specialized lens on the socio-economic and agro-climatic specificities of Odisha.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary(ACS) Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment facilitated Secretary DARE, Dr.Jat.
The discourse emphasized the systemic synthesis of research education and extension services as the primary drivers toward the Vision Plan for Developed India 2047.
Dr. Jat characterized Odisha as a living laboratory for the nation citing its advanced capabilities in science-led agricultural transformation and its leadership in agri-skill development. This designation reflects a layered causality where deliberate policy interventions and institutional reforms have positioned the state at the vanguard of rural economic evolution.
The lecture series aims to dismantle silos between policy makers researchers and the farming community creating a platform for meaningful dialogue and socio-legal precision in agricultural governance. By addressing the unique challenges of Odisha’s diverse ecosystems the initiative seeks to catalyze innovations that are both scalable and sustainable.
Dr. Jat’s presentation underscored that the state’s progress is not merely anecdotal but is supported by an evidence-based narrative of growth in productivity and resource management.
the session providing context on the guest’s extensive contributions to agricultural science. The proceedings which included a rigorous Q&A session were attended by a high-level assembly of government officials scientists from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology and representatives from various ICAR institutions.
The event concluded with a welcome address by Additional Secretary Shri Subhransu Mishra and a vote of thanks by Joint Director Dr. Prasad Keshari Patnaik. This lecture series establishes a critical intellectual infrastructure necessary to ensure that Odisha’s agricultural trajectory remains a cornerstone of India’s journey toward a developed status by the centenary of its independence.