ICC holds conference on food, agriculture and biotechnology
Bhubaneswar: The first Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology Conference was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in collaboration with Odisha Agriculture and Technology University (OUAT). Hon’ble Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati attended the event as the chief guest and said that we have to change our vehicles. Instead of petrol and diesel vehicles, we have to drive electric vehicles. Odisha will now become the rice production center of India. Human civilization has developed around agriculture. Without which human civilization is impossible to imagine. Industry has risen much later. But agriculture has sustained civilization. Especially in Odisha, agriculture was the main economic backbone. It has always been important and will remain so. It has become the means of life and livelihood of many people. Agriculture provides food to the people and raw materials to the industry. Agriculture is what brings stability to the economy. If agriculture improves, the farmer improves. If the farmer improves, the village develops. If the village develops, the country will improve. The development of any country depends on the development of its agriculture. The world we live in today is undergoing a major transformation. New challenges are coming every minute. Especially climate change is a challenge for agriculture. The previous farming system is not enough to deal with it. Adopting technology, skills, and new research has now become the need of the hour.
Climate-friendly farming has to be done at the grassroots level. We have to take the help of biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). We have to make efforts to increase the value of our produce. Production will increase if the products are sold in online markets and abroad. Scientific research must reach the grassroots. Improvement can be achieved if the results of research are reflected in agriculture. Which can lead to sustainable growth. The Governor said that this workshop will be particularly helpful in all aspects.
MSME and Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulanand Mallik, while addressing the gathering as a special guest, said that… Odisha has immense potential. Natural resources are abundant. We should utilize them properly. Our food is the best. No other state can match our food with our paddy. The government has support in food processing. The government is standing behind SHG groups. Since our government came to power, 1000 to 1100 new startups have started in Odisha. We do not need Vishwakarma or Dharmapada here. We only need willpower. Developed villages are needed for a developed Odisha. Rural development is essential for the development of the country and the state. The minister emphasized in his speech that steps need to be taken on this.
ICC President Rajib S Sahoo delivered the welcome address and said that ICC has evolved into a leading national chamber, continuously accelerating India’s economic journey from traditional trade to the era of artificial intelligence and biotechnology. This historic centenary is not just a celebration of a glorious heritage, but a living promise. As a national chamber, our commitment is to align directly with India’s broader vision to become an inclusive, sustainable and global economic powerhouse.
OUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul joined the event and highlighted how food, agriculture and agribusiness and biotechnology have become the backbone of society and appreciated the steps taken by ICC to develop this sector.
Sachin Ramachandra Yadav, Secretary, Farmers Empowerment Department, Sriram Panda, Convener, ICC State Council Agriculture and Food Processing Committee, delivered their speeches on the occasion. Retired conl Sujan Mohanty, Co-Convenor, ICC State Council Agriculture and Food Processing Committee, proposed the vote of thanks. Chief Secretary Anu Garg attended the event while experts and distinguished guests participated in various sessions. ICC Odisha Regional Director J P Pal was present in this Occasion.
