Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called upon Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to establish four agriculture-related educational institutions in Sambalpur, a region he described as rich in agricultural diversity yet underdeveloped in sectoral growth.
In a letter addressed to CM Majhi, Pradhan proposed the creation of a College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, College of Dairy Technology, College of Fisheries, and College of Agri-Business Management. He asserted that these institutes would collectively foster long-term, inclusive, and knowledge-driven development in western Odisha.
Highlighting an acute need for trained professionals, Pradhan recommended prioritising the veterinary college. “Such an institute would contribute significantly to animal health, livestock productivity, and public health by addressing zoonotic disease prevention,” he noted.
He also emphasised the necessity for a dedicated dairy technology college to upskill manpower, promote research, and enhance quality and efficiency in dairy operations, key to rural economic progress. The fisheries college, he added, would empower youth through capacity-building in aquaculture and post-harvest technologies.
Addressing market-driven trends in agriculture, Pradhan advocated for a college dedicated to agri-business, focusing on supply chain management, marketing, and food processing. “This will encourage entrepreneurship and leadership in the agricultural value chain,” he said.
The Education Minister pointed out that the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) already possesses facilities at its Chiplima campus in Sambalpur, along with available land and research infrastructure. He also noted that underutilised land from the state’s Fisheries and Livestock Development Department could be repurposed for these institutions.
Pradhan concluded that these proposed colleges would not only generate skilled professionals but also act as catalysts for agricultural innovation, enhanced market connectivity, and improved incomes for farmers, aligning with the vision of rural prosperity through education.
