Argus News - Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates Fish And Animal Husbandry Fair In Sambalpur

Sambalpur, Feb. 16: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday inaugurated the Fish and Animal Husbandry Fair 2026 at Ainthapali in Odisha’s Sambalpur, and highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the poor and the common people while strengthening the district’s agriculture-based economy.

ସମ୍ବଲପୁର ଠାରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ “ମତ୍ସ୍ୟ ଓ ପ୍ରାଣୀ ସମ୍ପଦ ମେଳା”ର ଉଦଘାଟନ କରିବା ସହ ଲାଭାର୍ଥୀଙ୍କୁ ବିଭିନ୍ନ ସରକାରୀ ଯୋଜନାର ଲାଭ ହସ୍ତାନ୍ତର କଲି । "ସମୃଦ୍ଧ କୃଷକ, ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ସମ୍ବଲପୁର"—ଏହି ମନ୍ତ୍ରକୁ ପାଥେୟ କରି ଜିଲ୍ଲାର କୃଷିଭିତ୍ତିକ ଅର୍ଥନୀତିକୁ ସୁଦୃଢ଼ କରିବା ଆମ ଡବଲ ଇଞ୍ଜିନ ସରକାରଙ୍କ ମୁଖ୍ୟ ପ୍ରାଥମିକତାରେ ରହିଛି । ସାଧାରଣ ଚାଷ… pic.twitter.com/heaZj6wLH4

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 16, 2026

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said that bringing progress to the lives of the poor and common people remains a top priority of the double-engine government (the Centre and State government). He noted that nearly three lakh families and 15 lakh residents of Sambalpur district are being provided with basic facilities, alongside focused attention on education, healthcare, employment, and livelihood.

At the event, the Union Minister transferred benefits of various government schemes to the beneficiaries and emphasized the vision of “Prosperous Farmer, Prosperous Sambalpur.” He said the government is committed to advancing Sambalpur’s agrarian economy by supporting fisheries, dairy, and allied farming as profitable ventures. “Special incentives are being provided to transform traditional farming along with fisheries, dairy, and allied farming into a profitable business,” he said.

Pradhan also said, “Since Sambalpur is an agriculture-based district, apart from general farming, special incentives and government assistance are being provided for fishery and dairy farmers. With the support of MCL, aid has been given for the construction of new warehouses. From the OMFED plant located in Sambalpur, there are plans to produce milk powder, curd, and other dairy products. Through this initiative, local farmers will benefit significantly.”

On paddy procurement, Pradhan informed that over 31 lakh quintals of paddy have already been purchased in the district by the Centre and State governments. Tokens have been issued to farmers for an additional one lakh quintals paddy procurement. Under the Krishi Udyami scheme, loans worth crores are being extended to young entrepreneurs to encourage self-reliance in agriculture.

Pradhan also highlighted infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs3,500 crore being implemented by PWD and RD departments over the next two years. These include the Ring Road project, road development, overbridge construction, and related works to strengthen connectivity in Sambalpur.

Beyond local development, Pradhan said efforts are underway to provide global exposure to Sambalpur’s youth. With support from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), selected candidates will be trained and sent to countries such as Japan and Denmark in the hospitality sector.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates CII Model Career Centre In Sambalpur

The Minister also flagged off ambulance services and distributed high-yielding cows to farmers under MCL’s CSR initiative. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Sambalpur into a prosperous and modern district through coordinated efforts in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.