Lok Sabha Question No. 2859 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: Establishment of Agriculture University in Odisha
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Pradeep Purohit

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2859

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18 TH  MARCH, 2025

## ESTABLISHMENT OF AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY IN ODISHA

## 2859.  SHRI PRADEEP PUROHIT:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण मंत्री be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any plan to establish an Agriculture University in Western Odisha, considering the region's significant paddy production and the fact that 70% of the population depends on farming;

(b) whether the Government is considering to establish the proposed Agricultural University at  Bargarh  district  which  is  centrally  located  and  shares  borders  with  several  districts  like Nuapada, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Sonepur, Sundargarh and even the State of Chhattisgarh;

- (c) the details of steps which have been taken to promote agricultural research, modern farming techniques and farmer training programmes in Western Odisha; and

(d) whether the Government has conducted any feasibility study or sought proposals from the State Government of Odisha regarding the establishment of an Agriculture University in this region and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ षि और ककसान कल्याण राज्य मंत्री (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a) & (b): At present, there is no such proposal to establish an Agriculture University in Western Odisha.

(c): In  Odisha,  following  10  Public  funded  Institutions  are  there  to  promote  Agriculture Research, Modern Farming Techniques and imparting farmers training:

1. Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar
2. ICAR-Central Institute of Women in Agriculture (CIWA), Bhubaneswar
3. ICAR-Central Institute of Foot & Mouth Disease, Arugul, Bhubaneswar
4. ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack
5. ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar

6. ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Chandrashekharpur, Bhubaneswar
7. ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute Regional Station, Bhubaneswar

8. ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research  (DPR)  Regional  Station,  Baramunda, Bhubaneswar

9. ICAR-National  Bureau  of  Plant  Genetic  Resources  (NBPGR),  Regional  Station, Cuttack

10.  Central Research Institute for Jute & Allied Fibres (CRIJAF)-Sisal Research Station, Bamra, Sambalpur

Besides,  the  Government  has  also  established  33  Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs)  in Odisha for promotion of new technologies of agriculture and allied sectors through technology assessment, demonstration and capacity development among the extension functionaries of state governments and farmers.  The activities of KVKs include on-farm testing to identify the location specificity to technology under various farming systems; frontline demonstration to establish the production potential of improved agricultural technologies on the farmers' fields; capacity  development  of  extension  functionaries  and  farmers  for  knowledge  and  skill  up gradation; and production of quality seeds, planting materials and other technology inputs for availability to the farmers.  In order to develop awareness of improved agricultural technology among the farmers, a large number of extension activities are taken up by the KVKs.

(d): At  present,  there  is  no  proposal  in  Central  Government  to  establish  an  Agricultural University in Odisha.

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