--Its achievements include 2 new millet species: The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), set up here in 1962, will celebrate its 62nd Foundation Day on Thursday (August 24).
In a Press meet held on the eve of the annual event, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof PK Roul narrated the milestones set by the university during its six decades of academic journey. He highlighted the contributions of the institute in the development of agriculture and farmers in the State and the country.
He said the OUAT has been operating through 10 constituent colleges, a centre for postgraduate studies, 10 agro poly-technic centres, 19 Regional Research Centres, 51 research projects and 31 KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras). The university has secured 22nd rank in the NIRF-2023- ranking in the category of agriculture and allied sector.
He also stated that due to quality education, all the pass-out students have got jobs and 70 students have cracked the State Civil Service Exam -2021.
Prof Roul further stated that the university has developed 191 HYV crops, including six varieties of rice, three varieties of ginger, two varieties of turmeric, two verities of millet and other crops. It has contributed to the State Government’s Millet Mission programme by inventing two little millet crops, machine for line-sowing, working towards GI registration of the State’s own millet community.
In line with the Central and State Governments’ policies, the OUAT has promoted FPOs (Farmers Producer Organisations). In the OMBADC districts, it is operating an innovative one-year agro-entrepreneur course.
The Foundation Day ceremony will be graced by Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain. Various awards shall be given away to FPOs, All India Research Projects, KVKs, teachers, scientists and graduates. Besides, the OUAT’s web portal -3.0, 3 Farmers Apps, Vision Document, OUAT song, one-year certificate course syllabus, a second floor of the Agriculture College shall also be inaugurated.
