Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward strengthening agricultural education and rural development, the Krushi Gyan Lecture Series: Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat was officially launched by the Odisha Agriculture Department. The initiative aims to empower farmers, agricultural students, researchers, and field officials with updated knowledge, modern farming practices, and innovation-driven solutions aligned with India’s long-term development goals.
The lecture series reflects Odisha’s growing commitment to transforming agriculture into a sustainable, technology-driven, and economically viable sector. By focusing on knowledge dissemination and capacity building, the program seeks to bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern agri-science.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Odisha’s economy, employing a large portion of the state’s population and contributing significantly to rural livelihoods. However, challenges such as climate change, declining soil fertility, water stress, and fluctuating market prices have made it imperative to rethink conventional farming approaches.
The newly launched Krushi Gyan Lecture Series is designed to address these challenges through structured learning sessions, expert interactions, and practical insights. Officials from the Agriculture Department stated that the initiative would serve as a continuous learning platform rather than a one-time event.
The theme “Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat” aligns with the national vision of building a developed India by 2047. Odisha’s agricultural roadmap plays a crucial role in achieving this goal, as rural prosperity directly influences overall economic growth.
Speaking at the launch event, senior officials emphasized that agricultural growth must be knowledge-led and innovation-driven. The lecture series is expected to nurture informed decision-making among farmers while encouraging the adoption of climate-resilient and sustainable practices.
The Krushi Gyan Lecture Series has been structured with multiple long-term objectives, including:
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Promoting scientific and sustainable farming practices
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Encouraging the use of digital tools and smart agriculture technologies
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Enhancing awareness of government agricultural schemes and subsidies
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Improving productivity while reducing environmental impact
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Supporting agri-entrepreneurship and start-ups in rural areas
By addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of farming, the program aims to create a new generation of informed and skilled agricultural stakeholders.
One of the highlights of the initiative is the involvement of agricultural scientists, policy experts, university professors, and experienced practitioners. The lecture series will cover a wide range of topics such as:
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Climate-smart agriculture
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Soil health management and organic farming
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Precision farming and use of AI in agriculture
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Crop diversification and value addition
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Post-harvest management and market linkages
These sessions will be conducted through seminars, workshops, and interactive discussions, ensuring active participation from farmers and officials alike.
The Odisha Agriculture Department has made it clear that farmers are at the heart of this initiative. Special efforts will be taken to ensure that knowledge shared during the lectures reaches grassroots levels through extension officers, digital platforms, and local language resources.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), self-help groups, and rural youth will also be encouraged to participate, helping to create a collaborative agricultural ecosystem across the state.
With rapid advancements in agri-technology, the lecture series will place strong emphasis on innovation. Topics such as drone-based crop monitoring, smart irrigation systems, mobile advisory services, and data-driven decision-making will be introduced to participants.
Officials noted that empowering farmers with technological awareness can significantly improve productivity and income while minimizing risks associated with weather and pests.
Odisha is among the states most vulnerable to climate-related challenges such as cyclones, floods, and droughts. Recognizing this, the Krushi Gyan Lecture Series will highlight adaptive strategies and resilience-building measures.
Experts will discuss crop insurance, diversified cropping patterns, water conservation techniques, and sustainable resource management to help farmers withstand climatic uncertainties.
Beyond improving agricultural output, the initiative is expected to create new opportunities for rural employment. By promoting agri-entrepreneurship, food processing, and value-added products, the lecture series supports the broader goal of strengthening the rural economy.
Young farmers and students will be encouraged to explore agriculture as a profitable and innovation-oriented career, reducing migration from rural areas.
The launch of the Krushi Gyan Lecture Series marks an important milestone in Odisha’s agricultural transformation journey. By investing in education, innovation, and collaboration, the state is laying a strong foundation for long-term agricultural growth.
As the program unfolds across districts, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready agricultural sector—one that contributes meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat.
