In a significant move to boost the fisheries and agricultural sector in Western Odisha, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced the establishment of a modern fish processing training centre. The Central Government will invest approximately ₹100 crore in this initiative, aiming to enhance fisheries-related skills, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the rural economy. Speaking at the ‘Kisan Samman Samaroh’ in Sambalpur, Pradhan also revealed plans to establish an ESI hospital in the region to improve healthcare facilities. Additionally, efforts have been initiated to revive the Nildungri market terminal, which will play a key role in strengthening trade and agriculture-related businesses in the area.
Further, the government is planning to convert the College of Agriculture in Chiplima into a separate agricultural school, ensuring specialized education and research in the sector. In addition, an Agroforestry course focused on forest produce and sustainable farming practices is set to be introduced, supporting the long-term growth of agriculture and allied sectors.
Apart from infrastructure development, the Minister also provided updates on various financial assistance programs benefiting farmers and women in Sambalpur. He highlighted that 1.20 lakh farmers in the district have received financial aid amounting to ₹120 crore under the PM-KISAN and CM-KISAN schemes. The procurement of 32 lakh quintals of paddy at the revised Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,100 per quintal has resulted in a total payout of ₹976 crore, with the Central Government contributing ₹724 crore and the State Government covering ₹252 crore.
Women in the region have also received substantial financial support. Around 2.60 lakh women have benefited from ₹260 crore under the Subhadra Yojana, while women entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) have been provided with interest-free loans worth ₹425 crore, promoting economic independence and empowerment. Additionally, farmers have been granted loans totaling ₹5,000 crore at low interest rates, ensuring the sustainability and growth of agricultural activities in the district.
Emphasizing the government’s vision for Sambalpur, Pradhan stated that these initiatives are part of a broader effort to uplift the lives of nearly 15 million people in the district. With strategic investments in fish processing, agriculture, healthcare, and financial support programs, the government aims to transform Sambalpur into a major hub for agriculture and rural-based economic activities. These measures align with the Centre’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ reinforcing efforts to foster economic growth, empower farmers, and improve overall livelihoods in the region.
In a significant move to boost the fisheries and agricultural sector in Western Odisha, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced the establishment of a modern fish processing training centre. The Central Government will invest approximately ₹100 crore in this initiative, aiming to enhance fisheries-related skills, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the rural economy. Speaking at the ‘Kisan Samman Samaroh’ in Sambalpur, Pradhan also revealed plans to establish an ESI hospital in the region to improve healthcare facilities. Additionally, efforts have been initiated to revive the Nildungri market terminal, which will play a key role in strengthening trade and agriculture-related businesses in the area.
Further, the government is planning to convert the College of Agriculture in Chiplima into a separate agricultural school, ensuring specialized education and research in the sector. In addition, an Agroforestry course focused on forest produce and sustainable farming practices is set to be introduced, supporting the long-term growth of agriculture and allied sectors.
Apart from infrastructure development, the Minister also provided updates on various financial assistance programs benefiting farmers and women in Sambalpur. He highlighted that 1.20 lakh farmers in the district have received financial aid amounting to ₹120 crore under the PM-KISAN and CM-KISAN schemes. The procurement of 32 lakh quintals of paddy at the revised Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,100 per quintal has resulted in a total payout of ₹976 crore, with the Central Government contributing ₹724 crore and the State Government covering ₹252 crore.
Women in the region have also received substantial financial support. Around 2.60 lakh women have benefited from ₹260 crore under the Subhadra Yojana, while women entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) have been provided with interest-free loans worth ₹425 crore, promoting economic independence and empowerment. Additionally, farmers have been granted loans totaling ₹5,000 crore at low interest rates, ensuring the sustainability and growth of agricultural activities in the district.
Emphasizing the government’s vision for Sambalpur, Pradhan stated that these initiatives are part of a broader effort to uplift the lives of nearly 15 million people in the district. With strategic investments in fish processing, agriculture, healthcare, and financial support programs, the government aims to transform Sambalpur into a major hub for agriculture and rural-based economic activities. These measures align with the Centre’s commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ reinforcing efforts to foster economic growth, empower farmers, and improve overall livelihoods in the region.
