Bhubaneswar, Aug 24: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Monday reassured farmers that the government is fully committed to helping them fulfill their dreams through various targeted schemes.

Singh Deo was addressing the 65th Foundation Day of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at the Krushi Shiksha Sadan in Bhubaneswar.

The Deputy CM, Pro- Chancellor of OUAT, also advised farmers not to worry, confirming that adequate fertilizer stocks are available across the state to meet their needs.

Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik emphasized the vital role farmers play in building a prosperous Odisha and urged everyone to involve the youth to help double farmers' incomes.

Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav encouraged the adoption of scientific and climate-resilient practices, calling on OUAT to act as a living laboratory for modern technologies like drones, robotics, and sensors. OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Pravat Kumar Roul highlighted the university's proud history in agricultural education and research while pledging to reach new milestones for the empowerment of local farmers.

To mark the occasion, guests released 37 new publications, launched digital initiatives, and virtually inaugurated several new facilities, including the Vidyarthi Bhavan, Udhyamita Bhavan, Bhubaneswaree Girls' Hostel, and a new Veterinary Complex.

The university also honored 33 women agri-entrepreneurs and hosted a vibrant agricultural fair showcasing produce from farmers across Odisha's districts.

The celebration concluded after recognizing outstanding individual and institutional achievements across various departments. Top honors included student awards for the College of Agriculture, Bhawanipatna Samikhya Pal (Best Female Graduate) and Prateek Rath (Best Male Graduate). Among the staff and faculty recognized were Dr. Sanjay Kumar Roul (Best Teacher), Dr. Debadatta Sethi (Best Scientist), Dr. Dabanagere Lenka (Best Extension Scientist), Dr. Kabita Sethi (Best Woman Scientist), Dr. Debra Meher (Best Technical Staff), and Saroj Kumar Nayak (Best Ministerial Staff). Institutional awards were presented to AICRP on Linseed (Best AICRP), KVK Mayurbhanj-II (Best KVK), and AICRP on Cashew (Best Seed & QPM Production Unit).