In a grand celebration of women’s role in agriculture, the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) hosted the OUAT Farmers’ Fair – 2026 on Friday.
The event, centred on the theme “Women Agri-Entrepreneur,” was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also holds the portfolios of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Energy, and serves as Pro-Chancellor of OUAT.
“Today’s farmer is not just a farmer but an agri-entrepreneur,” declared Dy CM KV Singh Deo while addressing the gathering. He praised the significant strides made in Odisha’s agricultural production and expressed gratitude to the hardworking farmers of the state for their invaluable contributions.
F&ARD Minister Gokulananda Mallick highlighted the critical importance of empowering women through mixed and integrated farming practices.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, emphasised that “developed agriculture is the cornerstone of developed India.” He noted with pride that women made up 50 percent of the participants at the fair.
OUAT Vice Chancellor Dr. Parvat Kumar Raul spoke about the university’s achievements and its commitment to advancing agricultural education and research. Prominent among those present were Dean of Extension Education Professor Prasannjit Mishra and Professor Niranjan Panda.
The day-long fair honoured outstanding women farmers and provided a platform to showcase cutting-edge innovations in agricultural technologies. Three insightful books authored by OUAT scientists — ‘Chasira Sansar’, ‘Compendium on Agricultural Technologies’, and ‘Cost of Cultivation of Important Crops’ — were officially released to support and guide the farming community.
In recognition of excellence, several All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) schemes of OUAT received achievement awards for their remarkable performance in different domains.
With over 15 exhibition stalls and enthusiastic participation from various colleges, the fair successfully promoted the spirit of agricultural entrepreneurship and the adoption of advanced, sustainable farming practices.
This event marks a significant step towards inclusive and technology-driven agriculture in Odisha.
