Bhubaneswar, 20 March (H.S.) : The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) today hosted the OUAT Farmers’ Fair – 2026, emphasizing the theme of Women Agri-Entrepreneurs and the promotion of advanced agricultural practices. The event was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Energy, and Pro-Chancellor of OUAT, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who highlighted the transformation of traditional farming into smart agriculture, enabling farmers to emerge as agri-entrepreneurs.

Addressing the gathering, Dy CM Singh Deo lauded Odisha’s agricultural growth and acknowledged farmers’ pivotal contributions to the state’s production achievements. FARD Minister Gokulanand Mallick emphasized the government’s initiatives to empower women through mixed farming, enabling them to play a key role in the state’s agricultural development.

Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, noted that developed agriculture forms the cornerstone of a developed India, highlighting that women constitute 50 percent of the fair’s participants. OUAT Vice Chancellor Dr. Parvat Raul praised the university’s contributions to agricultural research and innovation, with Dean Extension Professor Prasannajit Mishra and Professor Niranjan Panda also attending the event.

The fair recognized women farmers for their outstanding contributions and provided a platform to showcase innovations and best practices in agriculture. Three new farmer-focused publications prepared by OUAT scientists—Chasira Sansar, Compendium on Agricultural Technologies, and Cost of Cultivation of Important Crops—were released during the event. Additionally, various OUAT AICRP projects were honored with achievement awards for excellence in agricultural research and outreach.

Featuring over 15 thematic stalls and participation from multiple agricultural colleges, the fair provided farmers with exposure to modern techniques, innovations, and services, while promoting agricultural entrepreneurship and advancing the adoption of sustainable and profitable farming practices across the state.

This event underscores OUAT’s ongoing commitment to farmer empowerment, women’s participation in agriculture, and the dissemination of cutting-edge agricultural knowledge.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda