Koraput, Aug 30 (KNN) The Central University of Odisha (CUO) should work towards promoting local produce, be it organic crops or food products, through research and development, said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday.

While addressing the 14th foundation day ceremony of the university in Koraput virtually, Pradhan said that on the call of the Prime Minister, Koraput, a region with immense potential, will be made a hub of the manufacturing sector.

“Apart from production of bauxite, a high-quality aluminium manufacturing centre will have to be set up in Koraput,” he said.

Pradhan pointed out that crops like paddy, mango, ragi and vegetables besides Koraput Coffee produced in the region organically hold a special place in the market.

Speaking at the occasion, former NITI Aayog CEO and India’s new Sherpa for the G-20 Amitabh Kant lay emphasis on the importance of the digital economy and the promotion of modern technology like artificial intelligence in every sector.

“Entrepreneurs should also be promoting startup programmes with domestic and foreign capitals. Till date, India has promoted more than 70,000 startups,” he said.

Among others, eminent scientist Nirmal Ganguly and Koraput MLA Raghuram Padal were present at the event.  (KNN Bureau)