Odisha must not lose opportunity for a Central Agriculture University

Sept 24, 2011

Dear Honourable Chief Minister Mr Patnaik and Chief Secretary Mr Patnaik,

Recently Chief Minister of West Bengal Ms Mamata Benerjee has written to the central Govt. for establishing a Central Agriculture University in the backward region of West Bengal as the Central Government is giving special importance for agricultural growth in the eastern part of the nation including Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand etc.

The performance of agriculture in Odisha is adorable during your leadership and Odisha must not lose the opportunity for a Central Agriculture University.

Agriculture is contributing substantially to the economy and human resources in Odisha. It is the prime source to the rural economy and is backbone of the nation, especially for backward areas like KBK.

Social development of backward parts of the country largely depends on the development of agriculture sector and many of these backward pockets in the nation have a great agriculture potential.

Kalahandi was known as the rice bowl of Odisha at one time. Today also this region shares a high percentage in rice, pulses and cotton production in the state. Realizing its potential in agriculture, state Govt. has established an Agriculture College at Bhawanipatna in 2009. Establishing a Central Agriculture University here will further catapult growth of agriculture and agro-based economy in KBK region.

Central Agriculture University in Kalahandi will not only trigger the development of advanced technology and research skill in agriculture sector as par with other national institutions in the world class level but also benefit the local economy by improving the living standard for marginalized people in backward cluster of KBK, Gajpati and Kandhamal, as Bhawanipatna is located centrally to this tribal and backward cluster.
Ministry of Agriculture has already established Central Agriculture University at Imphal, one of the backward locations, for serving North Eastern states. Recently the Union agriculture ministry had also given the go-ahead to develop a Central Agriculture University in Jhansi in Bundelkhand, another backward location, which can serve the interest of North part of the nation. Banaras Hindu University, a central university, has also agricultural discipline serving the interest in the north part of the nation.

In eastern part of the nation, although we had appealed for the same, West Bengal Govt. has already taken initiative in advanced in our line and sent a proposal for establishing a Central Agriculture University in the backward Medinapore of West Bengal.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-06/kolkata/29858295_1_central-university-agriculture-second-green-revolution

http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=378933&catid=42

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110713/images/13zzpackbig.jpg

We sincerely request Odisha Govt. also send a formal proposal immediately to the central Govt. for establishing Central Agriculture University at Kalahandi in the 12th plan period for Odisha.

Thanking you and best regards

Digambara Patra