A high-level meeting convened today at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, discussed the proposal to establish a Central Agricultural University in Sambalpur.
The initiative, aligned with the Central Agricultural University Act of 1992, aims to produce globally competitive graduates and postgraduates in agriculture and allied sciences. It is expected to enhance productivity, promote sustainable farming systems, and transform agriculture into a profitable enterprise.
Calling the proposal a “game changer for Odisha,” Shri Singh Deo emphasised that the university would advance agricultural research, empower farmers, and foster innovation in sustainable farming. He added that the move will contribute significantly to food and nutritional security across the state.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment; Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra from the Finance Department; Suresh Kumar Basith from Fisheries and Animal Resources Development; and Dr. Pravat Kumar Raul, Vice Chancellor of OUAT. Each presented valuable insights supporting the university’s establishment.
The proposed university is poised to become a hub for agricultural excellence, bridging academic research with grassroots empowerment.
