Students sensitised to scope, career prospects and entrepreneurial opportunities in horticulture

Horticulture Outreach Programme Held at New Star Science College

KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 6: An outreach programme on horticulture was organised at New Star Science College, Pubusahi, in Khordha district on Saturday to create awareness among college students about the importance, scope and emerging career opportunities in the horticulture sector.
The programme was organised as per the direction of the Director of Horticulture, Odisha, Kalunge Gorakha Waman. It was conducted by Smt. Sriya Saswati, Assistant Director of Horticulture (ADH), Khordha, and was attended by more than 100 students.

During the programme, the students were sensitised to various aspects of horticulture, including fruit and vegetable cultivation, floriculture, protected cultivation, nursery management and horticulture-based entrepreneurship. The students were also apprised of the growing employment and self-employment opportunities available in the sector.

The officials emphasised that horticulture has significant potential to provide sustainable livelihoods and promote entrepreneurship among the younger generation. Students were encouraged to explore horticulture as a viable career option and to acquire knowledge and skills that could help them establish their own enterprises in the sector.The interactive session witnessed active participation from the students, who showed keen interest in different horticultural activities and career opportunities. The programme also highlighted the potential of modern horticultural practices and technology in improving productivity and creating new avenues for employment and income generation.
As part of the outreach initiative, a fruit-tree plantation programme was also organised on the college premises. Students and college authorities actively participated in the plantation drive, which underlined the importance of increasing green cover, environmental conservation and promoting fruit-bearing trees among young people.
Sanjaya Kumar Sahoo, Principal of New Star Science College, Pubusahi and Smt. Susri Bijayeeni Manasingh, Assistant Agriculture Engineer, were present on the occasion and extended their support to the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the Principal appreciated the initiative of the Department of Horticulture, Odisha, and said that such outreach programmes provide students with valuable practical knowledge while making them aware of the expanding opportunities in the horticulture sector.
The initiative was also appreciated by local residents, who welcomed the efforts to connect young students with horticulture, environmental conservation and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The programme concluded with a call to the students to actively explore the potential of horticulture and contribute to building a greener, cleaner and healthier society while promoting dignified employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.