Bhubaneswar: Odisha government will organise “Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods” symposium to promote food security and protect sustainable agricultural practices.
Informing this here on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo said experts on agriculture and farm practices from across the country and outside would participate in the two-day international conference to be held at Krushi Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.
The participants including SHGs, agricultural producers’ associations, policymakers, researchers, small and medium enterprises, hotel associations, bloggers and students will be encouraged in the preparation exercise.
Beginning on November 10, the conference will be inaugurated by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi. It would have 11 technical sessions, he added.
The conference will also do work on preparing a roadmap to promote Shree Anna and forgotten foods, especially millets. The millet is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world. The event will have 9 stalls displaying the diversity and potential of neglected crops and innovative agricultural practices. These stalls will showcase forgotten crops, a variety of millets, pulses, seeds, leafy vegetables, and farm tools, providing an opportunity for participants to engage with both tradition and innovation in agriculture.
Further, a few publications will be released during the event. These include an Awareness booklet for farmers on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFRA), Guidelines of the Scheme “Revival and Sustainable Intensification of Forgotten Foods/Neglected Crops in Odisha”, and a recipe booklet focussed on forgotten foods titled “Forgotten Flavours – Culinary Treasures of Odisha”. These publications will provide farmers and communities with the resources they need to engage in sustainable and profitable agricultural practices.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment has partnered with many esteemed organisations and institutes, including FAO, NIN, Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), MSSRF, Biodiversity International and others for organising the event. It has also collaborated with other government departments like Department of Mission Shakti, Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) and Department of Health & Family Welfare in this regard.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to millet and neglected crops cultivation, the symposium will honour distinguished individuals and groups. Awards will be presented to the Best Millet Farmer (in both Ragi and Non-Ragi categories), Best Neglected Crop Custodian Farmer, Best Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Best Facilitating Agency, Best Performing Block/District, and Best Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Special recognition will also be given to women custodians of traditional recipes, celebrating their invaluable role in preserving Odisha’s culinary heritage.