Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasised the Odisha government’s commitment to reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers and promoting organic farming, while ensuring sustainable, long-term solutions to farmers’ challenges.
Singh Deo made the remarks during a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Fertiliser Innovation Centre India (FIC India) at his office in Lok Seva Bhavan Saturday. The delegation discussed the proposed setting up of an FIC unit in Odisha.
During the discussion, Singh Deo stressed accelerating agricultural production that remains a top priority for the state government.
The FIC India delegates stressed the importance of research, innovation and sustainable agricultural growth to empower farmers in Odisha. They said FIC focuses on optimising fertiliser application, improving soil health and enabling efficient nutrient management.
They added that the proposed FIC unit in Odisha would be only the second such centre in the world.
Furthermore, the meeting also discussed the establishment of a dedicated Fertiliser Academy in Odisha to promote advanced research, innovation and knowledge-sharing in the agriculture sector.
The proposed academy is expected to provide a platform for developing and adopting modern fertiliser practices, improving nutrient management and supporting sustainable agricultural growth in the state.
The meeting was attended by Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment; Subham Saxena, Director of Agriculture; and other senior officials of the department.