Bhubaneswar: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati Sunday urged the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) to take a leading role in promoting agripreneurship, not only among its students but also among farmers and the wider community.
Speaking at the 64th Foundation Day celebrations of OUAT in Bhubaneswar, Kambhampati called on the university to prepare comprehensive project profiles covering cost estimates, land and power requirements, projected income, and details of subsidy schemes.
“Such profiles will help students and farmers assess the economic viability of agri-based enterprises and motivate them to take up these ventures,” he said.
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Sharing his observations from visits to Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the Governor praised their role in providing hands-on training and demonstrating modern farming technologies.
“I am pleased with the dedication of KVKs in equipping farmers with practical skills and innovative methods.
However, it is surprising that only a few farmers pursue entrepreneurial ventures after training.
Supplying detailed economic models and guiding them through project profiles will surely boost their participation,” he noted.
Congratulating the OUAT fraternity on its Foundation Day, Governor Kambhampati described agriculture as the backbone of India.
“In our country, agriculture is more than an occupation; it is part of our culture and sustains both households and the economy,” he said.
He stressed that institutions like OUAT must address emerging challenges such as climate change, resource constraints, and market fluctuations while also developing skilled manpower and innovative solutions.
The Governor also lauded OUAT’s recognition as the Pioneer Nodal Centre for Agri Startups by the MSME department and its role in mentoring 24 startups.
“These initiatives support Atmanirbhar Bharat by empowering agripreneurs, driving rural enterprises, creating jobs, and boosting Odisha’s global presence,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo stressed the importance of organic farming and noted India’s transformation from an importing to an exporting nation.
Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik outlined government schemes supporting farmers and promoting agriculture.
Ekamra–Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Pravat Kumar Roul, Dean of Extension Education Prasannajit Mishra, and Registrar Pratibha Dora also addressed the event.
On the occasion, the Governor felicitated smart farmers, released books, and inaugurated a campus-wide Wi-Fi facility.
PNN