There is a need to focus more on remunerative horticultural crops instead of paddy alone, said Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Arun Kumar Sahoo at the 58th foundation day celebration of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) here on Saturday.

Sahoo opined that development of the agricultural sector can only lead to growth of the industrial and service sectors.

The Minister stressed upon more concentrated efforts by the OUAT in development of technologies to address the emerging challenges in the field of agriculture.

He suggested the OUAT to consider factors like climate change, marketing, post harvest and processing, farm mechanisation and problems emerging because of incidence of new pest and diseases; while developing technologies for the farmers.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Secretary Saurav Garg stressed upon use of high-tech technologies for enhancing farmers’ income. While developing technologies focus most be given on profitability as a parameter rather than production and productivity, Garg opined.

Former ICAR DDG (Crop Science) Swapan Kumar Datta delivered the foundation day lecture on “Agricultural Science and Policy from Farmers’ Perspective”.

OUAT Vice Chancellor Pawan Kumar Agrawal presiding over the function highlighted the achievements of the university during last year.

On the occasion, three agri-entrepreneurs, three achiever farmers and farm women of the State, best women scientist, best extension scientist, best KVK and best graduates of the university were felicitated. Various publications and a series of booklets were released.

College of Agriculture Dean Prof KK Rout delivered the welcome address and university Registrar Sushama Rani Devi proposed a vote of thanks.