OdishaPlus Bureau
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Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) celebrates 59th foundation day
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Discourse on the agricultural know- hows to tackle global food insecurity
On the occasion of 59th Foundation of OUAT, Dr. Arun Sahoo, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment , Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, gave his insights on the growing need of advanced agricultural expertise to tackle the issue of global food insecurity. He also applauded the efforts of OUAT in revolutionizing the means and methods of farming in a natural disaster prone state like Odisha.
Dr. Sahu said,” The human society has come under the claws of COVID-19 pandemic and hence the employment sector has suffered the worst. During this tough time, the agricultural and allied sectors have not only catered to the basic needs of the people but also have provided employment opportunities.”
Dire need to bring reforms in agricultural sector:
“Unless reforms are brought in and executed in the agriculture sector, the development of the society will remain standstill. In addition to this, the people associated with the farming sector need at least an increment of 60% in their income for an overall development of the allied sectors. The government has undertaken lot many initiatives and packages to uplift the socio- economic status of the farmers,” remarked Dr. Arun Sahoo. He has also made an appeal to the researchers to look into the COVID-19 pandemic as a blessing in disguise that would further help in elevating the policy makings of agriculture sector in the furutre.
Eminent personalities attended the event virtually:
P. Stephen Baenziger, Professor and Wheat Growers Presidential Chair, University of Nebraska- Lincoln and Professor Chittaranjan Roy took part in the event virtually. Their talks comprehensively focused on the growing risks regarding global food security and the measures to mitigate them. The speakers also emphasized on the production of hybrid wheat and water irrigation systems.
Vice Chancellor of OUAT, Dr. P. K Agrawal officiated the foundation day ceremony. He said, “Various steps have been taken by the university for development in imparting agricultural and allied education. Gearing up with the trend, we have been emphasizing on practical education for the glorifying the skills of the students.”
While Dean Sanjay Kumar Dash delivered the welcome address, Dean Lalit Mohan Garnayak presented the vote of thanks. The occasion saw the unveiling of books, newsletters, information brochures and CDs published by the university.