Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, visited Jujumura block in Sambalpur district to inaugurate a series of agricultural initiatives aimed at empowering farmers and bolstering the rural economy.
During his visit, Shri Pradhan inaugurated a state-of-the-art polyhouse facility at Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Limited (FPCL), developed in collaboration with the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI). This facility is set to promote high-value crop cultivation, particularly in floriculture, and advance climate-smart agricultural practices in the region.
The Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new market yard in Sanatanpali, which will serve as a hub for local farmers to aggregate and sell their produce. Additionally, he flagged off the season’s first marketing consignment of watermelons through the FPCL, marking a significant milestone in the collective’s journey.
Speaking at the event, Shri Pradhan emphasized the importance of innovation, institutional support, and collaboration in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted the role of initiatives like these in transforming rural economies and empowering smallholder farmers.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Shri Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Sambalpur, and Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI, along with representatives from NABARD, Palladium Consulting India Pvt. Ltd., and local administration.
