Sambalpur, Dec 26: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined women entrepreneurs and farmers at a special event hosted by the Horticulture Training Institute in Nildunguri, Sambalpur, on Friday.

The Union Minister was welcomed with floral bouquets on arrival. Later, he interacted with women entrepreneurs and observed the wide range of products they had prepared.

During his address, Pradhan highlighted the agricultural richness of Sambalpur’s Yujumura, Niladunguri, and Padiabahal regions. He recalled his earlier visit to Sanatanpali, where modern flower cultivation techniques were being adopted, and women had demanded irrigation facilities.

With nearly 15 panchayats around Padiabahal, he emphasised the need to strengthen agriculture-based economies in these areas.

The Union Minister directed the district administration to prepare a master plan for irrigation and allied infrastructure. He also called for developing a new brand identity for Padiabahal, focusing on rural economic empowerment.

Pradhan encouraged women to diversify flower-based products such as incense sticks, jewelry, invitation cards, and perfumes. He stressed the importance of training and market linkages for flower, vegetable, pulse, and fruit-based economies, with the goal of reaching state, national, and international markets.


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He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to create “Lakhpati Didis” (women earning lakhs annually) and urged the promotion of eco-friendly industries to make the region a green economic hub.

The event also saw the participation of Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Sambalpur District Collector, officials from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Floriculture Mission, and a large number of women entrepreneurs.