Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates agriculture marketing yard and floriculture polyhouse in Sambalpur
Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates agriculture marketing yard and floriculture polyhouse in Sambalpur
Sambalpur : Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan visited Jujumura block in Sambalpur district today to inaugurate a series of agricultural initiatives aimed at strengthening the rural economy and supporting farmer collectives.
During the visit, the Hon’ble Union Minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art polyhouse facility at Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Limited (FPCL), Jujumura. Developed in collaboration with the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), this polyhouse is expected to promote high-value crop cultivation and support sustainable farming and climate-smart practices in the region, especially in floriculture value-chains. The partnership with CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow represents a strategic investment by the Government to advance climate- resilient and sustainable agricultural practices in Odisha. Leveraging its expertise in plant science and biotechnology, NBRI is supporting the development and dissemination of climate-smart crop varieties, and facilitating nature-based solutions for soil and water management in horticultural value-chains, thereby contributing to enhancing the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers, aligning with the state’s broader goals of sustainable agricultural transformation and resilience in the face of climate change.
Sabuja Sanatanapali Farmer Producer Company Limited (SSFPCL), formed in 2021 by a determined group of farmers in Jujomora, Sambalpur, has grown into a vibrant collective of over 1,450 members—55% of whom are women. The FPC which is supported by Palladium Consulting India Pvt. Ltd., and NABARD, has now become a beacon of inclusive rural entrepreneurship in the region showcasing how empowered farmers through collective action, innovation, and government support can drive sustainable rural development and transform local economies.
In a significant boost to market infrastructure, Hon’ble Union minister also laid the foundation stone for a new market yard in Sanatanpali, which will serve as a hub for aggregation and sale of produce by local farmers.
Marking a significant milestone in the journey of Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Ltd., Sri Pradhan also flagged off the season’s first marketing consignment of watermelons through the FPC. This marketing initiative was facilitated by Palladium Consulting India Pvt. Ltd., the Technical Support Unit to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, which has been playing a key role in strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) ecosystem in the state by facilitating access to markets and infrastructure through technical expertise. In collaboration with the Gates Foundation, the Government is actively working to enhance businesses of FPOs across the state by linking them to domestic and international markets and promoting adoption of climate-resilient practices to ensure sustainable growth for smallholder farmers. This event symbolizes the growing potential of farmer-led enterprises in the region and their expanding market reach, aiming to empower small- holder farmers and improve livelihoods.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri Pradhan reiterated his commitment to promoting an agriculture-based economy in Sambalpur and empowering local communities through innovation and institutional support. He further emphasized that initiatives like these showcase the collaborative efforts of government bodies, research institutions, and development partners in reflecting the government’s commitment in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
On the special occasion, Sri Dhiren Kumar Dash, DDM, NABARD, Sambalpur, said,“I am proud to share that with the support of NABARD and Palladium, the Sabuja Sanatanpali Farmers Producer Company (FPO) was established in 2021. Since its formation, the FPO has significantly improved market access for local farmers. Today, 30 metric tonnes of watermelon were dispatched to Ganjam, flagged by the Hon’ble Union Minister, with a total of around 80 metric tonnes marketed so far through the FPO.”
He further added, “Palladium has played a key role in supporting marketing efforts. Alongside watermelon, the FPO is also actively involved in floriculture and vegetable cultivation, with marketing facilitated through the collective. Looking ahead, mango harvesting is set to begin this summer, and its marketing is also being planned with continued support from both Palladium and NABARD.”
The event was also attended by Shri Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Sambalpur, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, and representatives from local administration, DACFE and Palladium.
