OUAT vice-chancellor urges sustainable solutions at SOA Agri-Confluence

Bhubaneswar: Prof Pravat Kumar Roul, vice-chancellor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), urged for a paradigm shift towards sustainable agriculture solutions to tackle persistent agrarian challenges during his address at the inaugural session of the ‘SOA Agri-Confluence’ held here on Tuesday.

The event, themed ‘Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihood Security,’ drew a large gathering of farmers from nearby districts. Prof Roul highlighted the adverse impacts of unsustainable agricultural practices, including soil degradation, groundwater depletion and air pollution, underscoring the urgent need for a shift towards sustainable methods.

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Pointing out the multifaceted nature of agriculture, Prof Roul stressed its significance in ensuring both food security and livelihood opportunities. He noted the alarming quantitative and qualitative losses experienced in agriculture over the years, exacerbated by climate change-induced challenges such as declining rainfall in Odisha.

The event also saw the participation of Prof Pradipta Kumar Nanda, vice-chancellor of SOA, along with other dignitaries including Prof Santosh Kumar Rout, dean of IAS and Prof Jyoti Ranjan Das, dean of Students’ Welfare. Prof Saroj Kumar Mohanty, professor in the Department of Plant Physiology, served as the convener of the event.

Prof Nanda reiterated SOA’s commitment to conducting research for societal benefit, leveraging its multidisciplinary approach and robust infrastructure. Prof Rout outlined IAS’s mission to chart a path for Odisha’s sustainable agricultural development and livelihood security.

The ‘SOA Agri-Confluence’ featured various activities including panel discussions, poster presentations, interactions between farmers and agricultural experts, agricultural exhibitions, startup meetings and technology demonstrations. Additionally, competitions such as debates, agricultural quizzes, and painting contests were organised for student participants, fostering a holistic engagement with agricultural issues and solutions.