BHUBANESWAR: The 10 proposed agro-polytechnics by the Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT) in the agro-climatic zones of the State would come up by the next academic session beginning July-August. These polytechnics would offer two-year diploma course for Plus-II pass-outs in the disciplines of agriculture, fisheries, animal science and horticulture. While one each polytechnic will be dedicated for horticulture, fisheries, animal science, the remaining seven will impart training on agriculture. The polytechnics will also provide certificate courses for school dropouts in various disciplines. “The proposal for polytechnics has been approved by the State Government and approval for recruitment of faculty and other technical staff in the institutions was received last week. Other procedures have also started and the varsity would open the polytechnics in the next academic year,” OUAT Vice-Chancellor D P Ray said. The OUAT had last year proposed to set up the polytechnics aiming to help the grassroots-level people in the field of technology transfer and guiding farmers in improving their economy. These polytechnics would churn out agro-technicians, who can earn a living by doing agricultural jobs for the farmers on payment basis or just establishing their own ventures such as seed production, nursery management, food processing and preservation and bio-fertiliser production.There is a great need for such intermediate-level technicians who can convince the local farmers about low-risk technologies and their applications for better yield. V-C Ray said the agro-polytechnics would function close to agriculture research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras as there will be optimum utilisation of teachers, support staff, equipment and appliances and other existing facilities. “If required, additional infrastructure would be set up for the purpose,” Ray said.
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