Rayagada’s horticulture community has said goodbye to Chittaranjan Sahoo, who retired on Thursday after an impressive 30-year tenure as Deputy Director of Horticulture. His career was marked by significant advancements in scientific practices, institution development, and a steadfast dedication to the welfare of farmers.
During his extensive career, Sahoo played a pivotal role in modernizing the horticultural landscape of Odisha by promoting scientific agricultural methods, protected cultivation techniques, quality planting materials, and improved post-harvest systems, alongside comprehensive training for farmers.
Prior to his assignment in Rayagada, Sahoo led the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Horticulture in Deras, Bhubaneswar, where he enhanced the production of quality fruit plants, hybrid vegetable seeds, and flowers. Under his guidance, the centre emerged as a premier training facility in Odisha, serving numerous farmers and agri-entrepreneurs while also providing valuable learning opportunities for students.
Sahoo consistently sought to enhance his skills through specialized training at esteemed national institutions, including MANAGE, the Extension Education Institute, the National Institute of Plant Health Management, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bengaluru, and INDOCERT in Kerala.
He supported local farmers in increasing their yields of mango, cashew, banana, and papaya, while also instructing them on protected farming practices to cultivate vegetables out of season in regions such as Koraput, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur. By introducing modern agricultural tools and safe practices, his initiatives significantly improved crop yields and enhanced the livelihoods of farm workers.
As colleagues, farmers, and admirers gathered to honor him, Chittaranjan Sahoo leaves behind a remarkable legacy. His influence extends beyond the projects completed and awards received; it is measured by the empowerment of thousands of farmers and his enduring contributions to the horticulture sector in Odisha.
