The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment has launched a new initiative called the “Krushi Gyan Lecture Series: Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat.”
The inaugural session took place on January 6, 2026, at the Krushi Bhavan Auditorium in Bhubaneswar. The first lecture focused on the future roadmap for agricultural development in India, with a special emphasis on Odisha, delivered by Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Dr. Jat presented an insightful lecture on the topic “Vision Plan for Viksit Bharat 2047 in Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension, with a Focus on Odisha.” He emphasised that Odisha serves as a living laboratory for scientific agricultural transformation and noted that the state is ahead of many others in terms of agri-skill development. Dr. Jat commended the significant transformation and vision for agriculture in Odisha.
The lecture highlighted strategic priorities, innovations, and policy directions essential for achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, while also addressing Odisha’s unique agro-climatic and socio-economic context.
The “Krushi Gyan Lecture Series: Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat” aims to create a platform for meaningful dialogue among farmers, policymakers, researchers, academia, students, and development stakeholders. The goal is to discuss Odisha’s role in the nation’s agricultural development journey.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of DA&FE, provided a brief introduction of the guest speaker and expressed gratitude to the DG of ICAR for attending the event. This was followed by a question-and-answer session. Additional Secretary Shubhranshu Mishra delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Sangram Keshari Pattanayak, Joint Director of Agriculture, presented the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by senior government officials, scientists, academicians, representatives from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), and various ICAR institutions.
