The agricultural scientists have to concentrate upon development and promotional technology which are environmental friendly and targeted for ensuring nutritional security for a cohesive community and sustainable crop production, said Governor and Chancellor of Universities Dr SC Jamir at the 56th Foundation Day celebration function of Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology here.
Agriculture Minister Dr Damodar Rout and Agriculture Production Commissioner Dr Gagan Kumar Dhal were the guests of honour in the celebration. Vice-Chancellor Prof Surendranath Pasupalak presided.
Rout stressed upon using the indigenous varieties and technologies for development of a sustainable agriculture system. Dr Dhal said promotion of organic farming and soil health management should be the focus of agricultural research. VC Pasupalak highlighted the achievements of the university.
During the inaugural function, a roof top water harvesting and a solar power plant of OUAT were inaugurated by Jamir. Apart from inauguration of a series of university publications by the guests, importantly a MoU was sign between the OUAT and the National Remote Sensing Center, Hyderabad for future collaboration in research and application of remote sensing in agriculture.
On the occasion, agri entrepreneurs from Jharsuguda, Jajpur, Baleswar, Gajapati and Jagatsinghpur were felicitated. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Gajapati was awarded as the Best KVK; Dr laxmipriya Pradhan as Best Extension Scientist and Dr Diptimayee Jena as Best Woman Scientist.
Two students, Suprabha Nath, College of Agriculture, Chiplima and Harekrushna Sahu, College of Agriculture, Bhawanipatna were awarded with cash prize.
An interaction session was organized. Among others, Managing Director, APICOl Dr SS Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata Dr SS Singh, Prof PK Roul, Dean, Extension Education were present. Director, National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad Dr YVN Krishnamurti delivered a talk.