By Nageshwar Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, February 26, 2017 : “Odisha is rich, but Odishans are poor.” In less than seven years of renaming of Orissa to Odisha, the resource rich state is still groping in darkness to ensure faster economic progress and provide livelihood to majuscule section of its populace. Though the economy of the state has been far from stagnant in recent years, it has a lot of ground to cover before the living conditions of its population get upgraded to a reasonable level and before it catches up with the more developed Indian states.

A fierce debate on this issue among political and industry leaders on Saturday at the concluding session of the day-long conclave ‘Odisha Ahead’, organised by ‘Invest Bhubaneswar’, here threw up challenges before the rulers.

Speaking on the occasion, union minister for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan said water is one of the biggest resources of the state. “Agriculture is our mainstay. The state is a leading vegetable producer. But we have shortage of eggs and milk and there is vast scope for producing these agri-products. The fate of Odisha can be turned around if we can focus on agriculture and agro-based products”, he remarked.

Referring to the global crisis at the market of metals, the minister said Odisha could explore plastic
and other sectors to shape its futuristic business models. “Paradip petro-chemical complex can go a long way to realize this business model. Odisha offers vast opportunities. But there has to be political consensus for holistic development of the state”, he said.

Kicking off the debate, senior journalist and politician, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik highlighted the interrelation between Odisha’s focus – or lack of it – on two potentially conflicting sectors: agriculture and industry. Ever since the LPG-led industrialization took off in the early 1990s, the government’s emphasis was more on industry and mining than agriculture, which becomes obvious from the low agricultural productivity in the state, he claimed.

“Only large scale industries will not bring holistic development to any state. Instead, we have to focus on agriculture and allied industries along with exploring other strengths like tourism and our cultural heritage”, he asserted saying that middle class in the state has become inward-looking and not taking up the issues concerning development of the state.

“Late Biju Patnaik and Janaki Ballav Patnaik had all along batted for steel plants in the state and the present Naveen Patnaik government had signed 40 MoUs for steel plants. I am not against industry, but steel plants cannot solve the real problem of the state. No country can develop without developing its agriculture and Odisha with more than 60 per cent people dependent on agriculture, no government can afford to ignore this primary sector’, he remarked.

Speaking on the occasion, the ruling Biju Janata Dal [BJD] MP from Kendrapara and industrialist, Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda, however, challenged Patnaik’s contention saying that in the advanced countries, the share of agriculture in its Gross Domestic Product [GDP] is less than five percent.

“In no country, 60% people depend on agriculture for their livelihood like in our country. We can’t provide jobs to the rural youths in this sector. It is crystal clear that manufacturing or industrial activity is a prime mover of growth in many developed and developing nations and any increase in agricultural productivity would not substantially add to the GDP numbers in comparison to manufacturing”, Jay said.

Making it clear that poverty in Odisha is not a recent phenomenon, Jay said in recent years the state’s growth rate has been above national average and poverty reduction has been substantial. “But that does not mean that we have been able to achieve our development goals. As an Odia, if we do not project the state and invite for investment, who will do it”, he quipped.

Taking cue from Jay, Dr Santrupt B Mishra, CEO, Carbon Black Business and Director, Human Resources, Aditya Birla Group said the state can emerge as truly world class in two areas, Skill and Education.

“Ravenshaw College, Gangadhar Meher College, Khalikote College etc are leading educational institutions have reputation. There are many fine institutions. We need to convert these into world class institutions”, Mishra said adding that the vision for future of the state largely hinges upon infrastructure, health care and tourism.

Mishra also underscored the need for positive action. “I can think of four positive enablers, creativity, capabilities, character and culture. Besides, we have to efficiently manage forest, mineral and coastal maritime resources. We should have a vision of making Odisha as a world class leader in water management,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, Airports Authority of India; Prof. Asoka Kumar Das, VC, Utkal University; Mr. Haraprasad Das, writer and critic; Mr. Ashok Basa, past President, Institution of Engineers (India); Prof. Pulin B. Nayak, former Director, Delhi School of Economics; Mr. Sudarshan Patnaik, Sand Artist; Mr. Prashanta Nanda, Film Actor and Director; Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, social activist; Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore; Mrs. Aruna Mohanty, Odissi dancer; Ms. Panchami Manoo Ukil, wildlife enthusiast and Mr. Akshaya Parija, Ex-banker & entrepreneur spoke on the occasion.