"OUAT empowered farmers, boosted agricultural growth": Odisha Deputy CM

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 25 (ANI): Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Gokulananda Mallik attended the 65th Foundation Day celebrations of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) on Monday in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking to the reporters, Singh Deo highlighted OUAT's contribution to the development of Odisha's agriculture sector and said the university has empowered farmers and played a role in making the state self-reliant.
"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 said.
He noted that Odisha's rice production has surpassed the national average and said the state has made progress across various areas of agriculture.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the collaboration between the Agriculture Department, OUAT and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), saying scientists are increasingly working directly with farmers in the fields.
"Scientists are not merely confined to their offices; they are visiting the fields and guiding the farmers," he said.
Minister Gokulananda Mallik said OUAT has played an important role in advancing agriculture in the state through education, training and research.
"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 said the joint efforts of the Centre and the state government would help increase farmers' incomes and make them self-reliant.
"Both the Central and State governments are working together to advance the agricultural sector," he added.
Gokulanand Mallick appreciated OUAT's efforts in developing human resources and technologies aimed at benefiting the farming community.
OUAT celebrated its 65th Foundation Day at Krushi Shiksha Sadan in Bhubaneswar on Monday, with Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and OUAT Pro-Chancellor Kanka Vardhan Singh Deo highlighting the university's contribution to agricultural education, research and farmer welfare. (ANI)