Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Unveils State-of-the-Art Krushi Bhawan in Sambalpur

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Unveils State-of-the-Art Krushi Bhawan in Sambalpur

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the modern Krushi Bhawan in Sambalpur, developed at a cost of ₹5.36 crore. This advanced facility will act as a centralized, single-window platform to provide comprehensive agricultural services, aiming to enhance support for farmers and boost the agricultural sector in the district.

It houses offices of the chief district agriculture officer and agriculture technology management agency besides a conference hall, guesthouse and soil testing laboratory.These facilities are designed to deliver seamless services and vital infrastructure to farmers and rural communities. The complex will also function as a center for showcasing innovative agricultural practices, offering training programs, and promoting skill development and awareness among local farmers.

Speaking at the event, Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the establishment of Odisha’s second Krushi Bhawan would provide a renewed identity to the region’s agricultural sector. He highlighted that during the current Kharif and Rabi seasons, the state government has procured nearly 90 lakh tonnes of paddy, with over ₹8,000 crore directly transferred to farmers' accounts.

Pradhan also emphasized the recent inclusion of Class IX and X students under the PM-POSHAN mid-day meal scheme, calling it a significant move to address adolescent malnutrition. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said, “We are dedicated to ensuring that no citizen in Odisha is left without access to basic facilities.”

Pradhan also participated in a plantation drive under the ‘Maa Pain Gachhatie’ campaign on the Krushi Bhawan premises. As part of the event, financial assistance of ₹50,000 each was extended to four self-help groups (SHGs) to set up millet-based tiffin centres. This support will enable the SHGs to launch sustainable businesses while promoting healthy, millet-rich diets in rural communities.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabinarayan Naik, Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, IG (Northern Range) Himanshu Lal, Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, and SP Mukesh Bhamoo.