BHUBANESWAR, 20 June 2025: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging the establishment of four specialized agricultural institutes in Sambalpur to foster knowledge-driven rural development in western Odisha.
In the letter, Pradhan proposed a College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, a College of Dairy Technology, a College of Fisheries, and a College of Agri-Business Management, calling them essential for building a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem in the region.
Veterinary College: A Priority
Pradhan particularly emphasized the urgent need for a veterinary college to improve animal healthcare, livestock productivity, and control zoonotic diseases, which are increasingly relevant to public health and food safety.
“A dedicated veterinary institution will not only address skill gaps but also support the livestock economy, which is central to rural livelihoods,” he said.
Fisheries, Dairy and Agri-Business Focus
The minister highlighted the need for a College of Dairy Technology to improve manpower quality, promote research, and drive efficiency in dairy operations, a sector that plays a vital role in the rural economy.
For the fisheries sector, Pradhan stressed that a dedicated institution would empower youth with training in aquaculture, post-harvest technology, and value-added seafood processing, crucial for self-reliance in India’s eastern states.
The proposed College of Agri-Business Management would enable students to tap into market-oriented agricultural practices, including supply chain management, food processing, and agricultural entrepreneurship.
Existing Infrastructure at OUAT
Pradhan noted that the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) already has a strong base at its Chiplima campus in Sambalpur, with available land, staff quarters, and research infrastructure. He suggested that unused land under the Fisheries and Livestock Development Department could also be leveraged to accelerate the initiative.
“These proposed colleges would not only train skilled professionals but act as hubs for agricultural innovation, improved farmer incomes, and broader market integration,” he concluded.
The proposal aligns with the government’s larger vision of rural prosperity through education, innovation, and institutional support.
