BHUBANESWAR: Entering an expansion mode, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has proposed to set up three new colleges in different locations during the next two to three years.

"A proposal has already been submitted to Western Orissa Development Council (WODC) for establishing college of horticulture at our Chiplima campus during the coming academic year. The WODC, which will fund the project, is evaluating the proposal," OUAT Vice-Chancellor D.P. Ray said here on Thursday.

Speaking to media-persons after OUAT's 27th convocation, Mr. Ray said the proposed college would offer Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture at Chiplima in Sambalpur district and the university would help provide faculties for the upcoming institute.

ICAR assistance

Similarly, OUAT would be opening a College of Dairy Science and Technology at Rangelunda near Berhampur with the active assistance from Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).

"The proposal is already under consideration of ICAR but the college will follow the earlier one," he said.

Existing Department of Forestry would be upgraded to a full-fledged college of forestry during the 11th Five Year Plan.

Dehradun-based Indian Council for Forestry Research agreed to provide financial assistance and course outline for the college that would offer postgraduate degree in forestry, Mr. Ray said.

Besides, the OUAT was all set to launch PG programme on agri-business management on self-finance basis. "There will 30 seats in the management course with admission fees of Rs. 40,000," the V-C said. OUAT had seven constituent colleges and institute of post-graduate studies. The university had so far offered degrees to 13,439 graduates, 4,634 post-graduates and 244 Ph.Ds in different disciplines.

Gold medals

A total 64 gold medals and 10 cash prizes were awarded to students who earned distinction in their academic pursuit and co-curricular activities at the convocation.

Speaking at the convocation, former chairman of ICAR's Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board Kirti Singh said the State had vast potential for horticultural development but there was dearth of technically trained manpower in the sector to cater to future demand.

He also stressed on establishment of food processing units for value addition and improvement in marketing system.

State Minister for Agriculture Surendra Nath Nayak, who was regarded pro-Chancellor, also attended the convocation.

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