Odisha Farmers Ready to Rule Global Markets!
Odisha farmers to go global with tech boost.
Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan outlined a bold vision for transforming Odisha’s rural farmers into global players by leveraging technology and education, as shared during an interview with PTI in Sambalpur. Speaking during the Nuakhai festival, he highlighted how marigolds from Nildungri village are reaching London and local mangoes are exported to Europe, attributing this to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s focus on rooted yet futuristic education.
“This celebration of paternity, affection, and spirituality represents the rootedness that NEP 2020 envisions,” Pradhan said, citing improved learning outcomes from ASER, school assessment, and PARAC reports. Sambalpur University’s integration of Sambalpuri culture, including the iconic “Rangabati” song, into curricula exemplifies this blend of tradition and innovation.
Pradhan emphasized NEP 2020’s initiatives, such as the “10 days bagless school” program, which connects students with industries and community leaders for experiential learning, fostering a scientific temperament among tribal and rural students. Sambalpur has emerged as an educational hub, hosting institutions like IIM Sambalpur, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, and an agriculture university.
A tripartite agreement with Singapore’s Government FinTech Network and National University of Singapore will upskill 7,000 students for FinTech jobs over five years, with IIM Sambalpur gaining recognition as a leading brand, credited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Innovations like alumnus Bodhi Sahoo’s drone startup, which supported the Indian Army’s Operation Sindhu, underscore the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly in the KBK districts (Koraput, Balangir, Kalahandi), where over 50% of rural women have never attended school. The Odisha government has extended mid-day meals to Class 10, introduced free bus services, and launched scholarships like Mukhya Mantri Mahila Sathi and Chhatra Protsahan Yojana to support tribal, SC, and female students. Addressing malnutrition, a persistent issue due to historical misgovernance, the state provides additional rice in vulnerable areas to boost school attendance and health outcomes.
Looking to 2047, Pradhan advocated for hands-on learning through makers clubs and innovation hubs to tackle social issues like water access and farmer challenges, positioning Sambalpur’s educational ecosystem as a model for Viksit Bharat while empowering rural farmers to compete globally through AI and multidisciplinary education.
Also Read: Odisha Bank Scam: ED Nabs Luxury Cars in ₹1,396 Crore Fraud Bust
Also Read: National SC/ST Welfare Conference Begins
