The 55th Foundation Day of the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) was celebrated here on Wednesday.
Attending as chief guest, Governor Dr SC Jamir appreciated the theme of the celebration, ‘OUAT at the services of the tribals’. Agriculture is the most primitive occupation of the tribal people and the modern technology should be transferred to them so that they avail the benefits, said Dr Jamir.
He added it must be ensured that tribals get proper market value of their agricultural produces by making it free from the clutches of middlemen. Agricultural education should focus on these challenges.
“We have to intensify our efforts to help farmers produce more food and other commodities with less cost of production,” Jamir said.
State Agriculture Minister and University Pro-Chancellor Pradeep Maharathi urged upon the farmers to avail the opportunity of various Government programmes and technologies.
“We will have another agriculture university in the State soon. The place is yet to be decided,” he announced.
OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof S Pasupalak said the university has contributed immensely for the development of new crop varieties, technologies in farming system, preparation of GPS and GIS based soil fertility maps, designing farm implements and various technologies on pisciculture and animal science. He also said, “We are focusing on education and research on horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries.”
This year the university has changed the name of the Home Science Department to the Community Science Depart-ment, he informed. He also informed that the university will introduce a Veterinary Certificate Course.
He said the State Government has sanctioned Rs 7 crore for Pulse Mission, an initiative taken by the OUAT. A seed hub would be constructed under the project, he informed.
Besides, 31 community radio centres would be set up in 31 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) of OUAT. The headquarters of the centre would be set up in Bhubaneswar, Pasupalak informed.
University’s website was launched on the occasion. Successful farmers from various districts were felicitated. A book ‘New Horizon of OUAT’ was released.
An exhibition of agricultural produces and machineries was also held. The first lady of Odisha, Alemla Jamir, graced the inaugural function as special guest.
Dean of Research and Extension Education, Prof PN Jagadev gave welcome address and Registrar Willium Billung gave vote of thanks.
About 100 farmers from various districts participated.