OUAT plans to set up 4 centres of excellence

The university of agriculture and technology (OUAT) is planning to set up four "centers of excellence" on its campus to conduct research on specific sectors. These centers will come up on the application of nanoscience and sensors, precision agriculture and natural resource management, genomic studies, and tribal agriculture. The proposal for establishment of these centers has been submitted to the Odisha government for necessary approval. The coe on application of nanoscience and sensors will conduct a study on the use of nano technology in preparing fertilisers, pesticide, and other substances used for growth of plants. Researchers can find out how to increase the effectiveness of these substances in comparatively a smaller number of doses without polluting the soil. Sensors can be used for detecting nutrition and other factors of soil. The coe on precision agriculture and natural resource management will conduct research on proper use of natural resources like water by using technology, use of drones to sprinkle medicines on the crops, and use of innovative irrigation methods to precisely use natural resources. The genomic studies center will work on genome editing and genome sequencing of a plant species. Researchers can study the species and alter the genes affecting the production. The center on tribal agriculture will conduct study on traditional agricultural practice of tribal communities and validate it with scientific research.