BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Wednesday said agriculture has a critical role to play in driving India’s economic growth while supporting the country’s energy transition, highlighting initiatives such as ethanol blending that can create additional income opportunities for farmers. Addressing the Odisha Food, Agri & Biotech (FAB) Summit 2026, jointly organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at the OUAT campus here, the Governor said agriculture should be viewed not merely as a traditional occupation but as a dynamic sector offering opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building. Referring to the Centre’s ethanol blending programme, Dr. Kambhampati said agriculture can contribute significantly to India’s energy security while enhancing farmers’ incomes. He also encouraged citizens to adopt electric vehicles and rooftop solar systems to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and promote environmental sustainability. The Governor said the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated India’s ability to transform challenges into opportunities through innovation and digital adoption. He added that ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have underscored the importance of energy security and sustainable development. Emphasising the need for technological advancement in agriculture, Dr. Kambhampati said precision farming, climate-resilient agriculture, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, digital platforms and efficient supply chains should become integral parts of the agricultural ecosystem to improve productivity, sustainability and farmers’ incomes. He said agriculture today extends far beyond conventional farming and offers opportunities in agribusiness, food processing, biotechnology, farm mechanisation, digital agriculture, agri-startups, supply chain management and value-added enterprises. Highlighting initiatives of the Central and State governments, including the MUDRA scheme, the Governor said programmes supporting start-ups, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), food processing units, biotechnology ventures and rural enterprises are helping create an enabling ecosystem for agricultural entrepreneurship and rural prosperity. Observing that Odisha has immense potential to emerge as a leading hub for food, agri-tech and biotechnology, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration among institutions, industries, investors and innovators to unlock the State’s agricultural potential. Dr. Kambhampati described the summit’s theme, “Catalysing Odisha’s Rise as a National Hub for Food, Agri-Tech and Biotech Innovation,” as a roadmap for the future. He also welcomed the release of the Handbook of Agribusiness in Odisha by OUAT, calling it a valuable resource for farmers, startups, agripreneurs and students. The Governor also urged government departments implementing subsidy-based welfare schemes to strengthen coordination with banks to ensure timely assistance to genuine beneficiaries. Minister of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and MSME Gokulananda Mallik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, and Convenor of the Agri & Food Processing Committee of ICC Odisha State Council Sriram Panda also addressed the gathering.
