Bhubaneswar, Aug. 24: The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad, to use satellite data for real-time agricultural monitoring.

"The centre will help farmers in efficient planning by providing exact information on land and water availability. Besides, it can give accurate weather forecast to them," said vice-chancellor S.N. Pasupalak on the sidelines of the 56th foundation day celebrations of the institute.

The centre will also train young scientists from various disciplines in use of satellite data for agriculture, along with drought assessment and monitoring.

The varsity is also working on increasing the number of pulse seed hubs from seven to 11 districts.

"The varsity will provide technological inputs and support to the farmers to grow quality pulse seeds, which the varsity will buy from them to distribute among the farmers," the varsity vice-chancellor said.

The university is also working on developing a high-yield variety of aromatic rice with the use of genomics.

Governor S.C. Jamir, who was present at the deal singing ceremony, also inaugurated an 815KW rooftop solar plant and a water harvesting system on the occasion.

The university will shortly set up an Atal Incubation Centre on its premises to foster budding agri-entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture and allied areas.

Steps have also been initiated to establish community radio stations in each of the 31 Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the OUAT to disseminate real-time information within a 1,015km radius.

Moreover, the varsity is working to develop cold and weed resistance pulse varieties. Under the project, five pulses - such as green gram, red lentil, black gram, peas and fava beans - will be cultivated in farms after paddy harvest is done.