Bhubaneswar: With Odisha aiming for a transformative shift by 2036, the third session of the Vikas Manthan 1.0 conference at Lokseva Bhavan Convention Center addressed the critical theme of Sujala Sufala & Shasya Shyamala Odisha.
Former vice-chancellor of Odisha State Open University, Professor Arka Kumar Das Mohapatra, led the session as moderator, while the Principal of Municipal College, Rourkela, Professor Sanatan Pradhan co-moderated the session.
Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Commissioner-cum-secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Secretary, Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Shri Vijay Amruta Kulange, Director, Fisheries, Smt. Rina Mohapatra, Engineer-in-chief (Planning and Design), Water Resources Department, Er. Lingaraj Gouda, presented their views.
They discussed on Odisha’s agriculture and allied sectors such as soil conservation, ground and rainwater harvesting , protection of the environment through natural ways, maximum use of renewable energy, aqua culture, animal husbandry and its protection, etc. and gave details of the government steps taken in this direction. They also outlined the upcoming plans of the government- Odisha’s vision for 2036 and aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, presented a strategic roadmap designed to align the state’s agricultural framework with the national Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. This vision focuses on building a future-ready sector that can withstand modern environmental challenges.
Shri Jadhav emphasized the necessity of transitioning toward climate-resilient farming practices. As seasonal patterns shift, the department is prioritizing the integration of sustainable land and water management to ensure long-term food security. The secretary highlighted that the prosperity of the state’s rural economy depends on a collaborative approach, bridging the gap between traditional farming and modern technology.
The session served as a platform to detail government initiatives aimed at soil conservation and the protection of the environment through natural methods. Shri Jadhav and other key officials discussed the importance of diversifying the agricultural landscape, moving beyond traditional crop cultivation to include robust support for allied sectors. This includes maximizing the use of renewable energy in farming operations and enhancing rainwater harvesting to mitigate the impact of unpredictable monsoons.
Experts at the conference underscored that the vision for 2036 involves not just increased productivity, but a holistic improvement in the livelihood of farmers. By focusing on resource efficiency and ecological balance, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment aims to position Odisha as a leader in sustainable agribusiness. The session concluded with a call for unified efforts between forest, water resource, and agricultural departments to protect the vital resources that underpin the state’s primary sector.