New Science And Technology Can Increase Farmers' Income Manifold: Former Union Agriculture Secretary

Bhubaneswar, Aug 21: Former Union Agriculture Secretary, Dr. Shobhana Kumar Pattanayak, said that many institutions in the country have developed time-bound science and technology, and if farmers use this technology, their income can increase manifold.

Speaking as the chief guest at a three-day program on "Income Enhancement in Floriculture" organized by the Central Institute of Horticulture, Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with DBT Kisan, Dr. Pattanayak said that there are ample opportunities for horticulture in Koraput and Nabarangpur due to their favorable climate and soil conditions. Therefore, if farmers use advanced technology from various institutions across the country, their income can definitely increase in the future.

Dr. Pattanayak specifically advised farmers to use science and technology for activities like fodder production and manure production. Dr. Govind Acharya, Director of the Central Institute of Horticulture, spoke about various models implemented in Koraput and Nabarangpur.

Dr. Rajeev Kumar Swain, Senior Scientist, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, said that through this Kisan program, many farmers are being involved and efforts are being made to improve their economic development.

Later, former Agriculture Secretary Dr. Pattanayak also interacted with farmers from Koraput and Nabarangpur regarding their income status in horticulture.

The program was attended by scientists, officials, and farmers. The guests were introduced by Dilip Kumar Patra, former Joint Director of Agriculture. Other attendees included Ansuman Pattanayak, AVV Kaundinya, Chief Technical Officer Manoj Kumar Pattanayak, and Amithabh Routaray.