Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met with Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on May 28, 2025, to advocate for the establishment of a Terminal Market Complex (TMC) in Niladunguri, Sambalpur, Odisha.
In a formal letter submitted during the meeting, Pradhan emphasised the transformative potential of the proposed TMC, which will be developed under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with ancillary infrastructure for the agricultural landscape of western Odisha.
The initiative aims to address the critical lack of organised market infrastructure, which has long hindered farmers in the region. The proposed TMC would serve as a central hub for districts including Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Angul, Boudh, Sundargarh, and Nuapada. These districts collectively produce over 3.5 million metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually, surpassing local market demand by more than 50%. However, the absence of a structured market system prevents farmers from utilising their land to its full potential and results in significant crop wastage.
Pradhan highlighted that the TMC would enable the export of agricultural produce to major markets such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Raipur, Ranchi, and Bilaspur, as well as distant metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Sambalpur’s strategic location, supported by robust road and rail connectivity, makes it an ideal hub for such a market. This infrastructure would not only streamline the supply chain but also provide a platform for trade and distribution, significantly reducing crop losses and boosting farmers’ incomes.
The proposal for a TMC in Sambalpur is not new. In 2009-10, the Odisha government submitted a plan under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), which was approved in principle by the mission’s executive committee. However, the project stalled due to the then state government’s inability to finalise a private entrepreneur through a global tendering process. Pradhan has now called for renewed consideration and support under the AIF, urging Chouhan’s intervention to revive and expedite the project.
The TMC is expected to catalyse horticulture development in the region, enabling farmers to diversify crops and increase productivity. For instance, while crops like brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower, and ginger are grown in abundance, the region faces shortages of potatoes and onions, leading to annual imports of approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of potatoes from other states. The TMC would address such gaps by facilitating local production and efficient distribution.
Pradhan underscored that the TMC would be a “game-changer” for western Odisha, providing a modern market infrastructure that empowers farmers, enhances their income, and minimises post-harvest losses. By connecting local produce to national and metro markets, the TMC would position Sambalpur as a pivotal agricultural hub, fostering economic growth and sustainability.
This renewed push for the TMC reflects a commitment to uplifting Odisha’s farmers and strengthening the agricultural economy. With the Union Agriculture Minister’s support, the project could unlock immense potential for the region, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and consumers alike.
