Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 25 (ANI): The 65th Foundation Day of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) was celebrated on Monday in Bhubaneswar, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Gokulananda Mallik.
During a press interaction, Singh Deo emphasized OUAT’s vital role in enhancing the agricultural sector in Odisha, stating that the institution has empowered farmers and contributed to the state’s self-sufficiency.
‘OUAT has had a long journey and has achieved numerous milestones along the way. It has empowered farmers and helped transform Odisha into a self-reliant state,’ Singh Deo remarked.
He also pointed out that the rice production in Odisha has exceeded the national average, indicating progress in various agricultural domains.
The Deputy Chief Minister further noted the effective collaboration between the Agriculture Department, OUAT, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), highlighting that scientists are increasingly engaging with farmers directly in the fields.
‘Scientists are not merely confined to their offices; they are visiting the fields and guiding the farmers,’ he stated.
Minister Mallik acknowledged OUAT’s significant contributions to the agricultural landscape of the state through education, training, and research initiatives.
‘Today marked the 65th Foundation Day of OUAT. Having operated for over six decades, OUAT, through the training of students and the collaborative efforts of professors and scientists, is steering Odisha’s agricultural sector in a new direction,’ Mallik said.
He expressed confidence that the cooperative efforts of both the Central and State governments will enhance farmers’ incomes and promote self-reliance among them.
‘Both the Central and State governments are working together to advance the agricultural sector,’ he added.
Mallick commended OUAT for its initiatives in developing human resources and technologies that seek to benefit the farming community.
The 65th Foundation Day celebration took place at Krushi Shiksha Sadan in Bhubaneswar, with Deputy Chief Minister Kanka Vardhan Singh Deo and OUAT Pro-Chancellor emphasizing the university’s contributions to agricultural education, research, and the welfare of farmers.
