CUTTACK, 14 April 2025: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a series of forward-looking agricultural initiatives in Odisha’s Sambalpur district on Sunday, aimed at revitalizing the rural economy and empowering smallholder farmers through climate-smart and market-driven practices.
As part of his visit, Shri Pradhan inaugurated a state-of-the-art polyhouse facility at Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Limited (FPCL), developed in collaboration with the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI). The facility is poised to accelerate the cultivation of high-value crops, with a particular focus on floriculture, and promote climate-resilient farming technologies in the region.
In a major step toward improving market access, the Minister also laid the foundation stone for a modern market yard in Sanatanpali. The facility will act as a central hub for farmers to aggregate, store, and sell their produce more efficiently—reducing dependency on middlemen and enhancing income stability.
Another highlight of the day was the flagging off of the season’s first watermelon consignment under the FPCL banner, signalling a new era of collective marketing for local farmers.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Pradhan stressed the importance of innovation, institutional partnerships, and self-reliance in building a robust and inclusive agricultural economy. “These efforts align with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, where rural India becomes a hub of innovation, productivity, and prosperity,” he said.
The event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders including Shri Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of Sambalpur, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director of CSIR-NBRI, and senior representatives from NABARD, Palladium Consulting India Pvt. Ltd., and the local administration.
These initiatives are expected to set a precedent for public-private partnerships in agri-development, improve post-harvest management, and empower Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the region.
