ICAR-NRRI observed 6th Agriculture Education Day
The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack celebrated 6th “Agriculture Education Day” on 3rd December, 2017 in its premises with the participation of about 200 students of secondary and higher secondary standard from 18 schools and junior colleges of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar along with their teachers. The Chief Guest of the inaugural function Prof. Soumendra Mohan Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar inaugurated the programme by lighting of lamp as well as the Agricultural Science Exhibition showcasing the projects developed by the students of all participating schools and colleges on the theme ‘Potential Entrepreneurial Options in Agriculture for enhancing Farmers’ Income’. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest emphasized on the quality agricultural education among youths since agriculture connects natural sciences, plant and genetic research, social sciences, indigenous knowledge and social groups. He added that rice is like micro-chip of human life in an integral way and all rituals and religions get connected with rice. He appreciated the efforts of this premier institute in significantly contributing to nations’s development by connecting young minds with agriculture.
 Chief Guest Prof. Soumendra Mohan Patnaik, VC, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar addssing the audience. |
 Release of an educational bulletin during the occasion. |
 Guest of Honour Dr. T.K. Adhya, Former Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack speaking on the occasion. |
 Guests visiting the Students’ Exhibition Stalls. |
Dr. T. K. Adhya, Former Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack and Guest of Honour stressed upon the importance and relevance of various horizons of agricultural sciences namely, education, research and extension. He emphasized that a career in agricultural science would be equally challenging and intellectually satisfying as any other science discipline.
 Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack Dr. Himanshu Pathak speaking on the occasion. |
 A participant speaking in the debate competition. |
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director, NRRI, Cuttack and Chairman of the inaugural function sensitized the students about the scope and advantages of agriculture education and advised them to be a part of agricultural science. On this occasion the Chief Guest released one educational bulletin entitled “Small Organisms for Big Roles in Agriculture” for the benefits of the students. At the outset, Dr. ParshuramSamal, Co-chairman and Head, Social Science Division welcomed the guests, dignitaries, teachers and students. Dr. (Mrs.) Lipi Das, Principal Scientist, Social Science Division and Organizing Secretary briefed about the objectives of observing the day and highlighted about the overwhelming responses received from all the Principals, teachers and students in celebrating this special day continuously for past six years. At the end she proposed and the vote of thanks.
 A section of audience. |
 Director distributing prizes and certificates to the winners. |
The day-long celebration was highly exciting with special events for the participating students like Debate competition on “Can Current Agricultural Education cater the Needs of the Farmers?”and Quiz competition on “General Agriculture” apart from the Exhibition which showcased the innovative ideas of the students in the form of models, charts, graphs and live materials. Through an outlet on Career Counseling in Agriculture, the students were sensitized and provided counseling on the scope and opportunity in the discipline. Also an interaction session between NAAS fellows and students was conducted. In the evening closing function, the winners of the various competitions along with all the participating students were awarded with trophies and certificates by the Director.