Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment is going to organise an International Symposium on Shree Anna & Forgotten Foods (ISSFF) at Lok Seva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar on November 10 and 11
The theme of the event is “Celebrating Shree Anna & Agricultural Heritage of Odisha”. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the two-day event set to highlight the important role of millets and forgotten foods in food security and sustainable agriculture.
Forgotten food crops are important for dealing with climate change, supporting sustainable farming, and improving nutrition. Many of these crops can resist droughts and pests, making them ideal for sustainable agriculture. Odisha’s traditional foods are linked to these crops, which grow well in local conditions without much extra input.
While addressing the media Deputy Chief Minister, Minister to Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment KV Singh Deo said that we need to add the millets and other forgotten foods to our diet. In this way, we can safeguard Odisha’s agricultural heritage and help the last mile farmer and tribal people by providing them livelihood and also lead a healthy life ahead.
The ISSFF 2024 will bring together direct stakeholders such as Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Policymakers, MSMEs, Research organisations, Health institutions, Hotel associations, Chef associations, Bloggers, Students, and Others to develop a roadmap for the promotion of Shree Anna and forgotten foods/neglected crops. ISSFF will focus on innovative and sustainable agricultural practices of farming communities, mainstreaming agro-biodiversity conservation, marketing opportunities, and policy perspectives related to Shree Anna and neglected crops/forgotten foods.
High-level dignitaries from national and international organisations like Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRAN), Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) and others will participate in this one-of-its-kind event being organised by the Government of Odisha.
The symposium includes 11 sessions on a range of topics related to the cultivation, processing, and promotion of millets and neglected crops. Participants will gain insights into how Odisha can be transformed into the millet hub of India, the global challenges associated with forgotten foods, and learn about the export potential and industry engagement for millets. Dedicated sessions on processing, organic cultivation practices, and community stories will ensure innovation and grassroots participation. The symposium will also celebrate the cultural significance of forgotten foods, with many participants set to share stories related to food, art, and culinary heritage.
In addition to the sessions, 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 launched 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.
Odisha is the first state in the country to organise such a unique event and take focused initiative to promote forgotten foods/neglected crops among the masses. It has already done commendable work on millets through its Shree Anna Abhiyan scheme, for which it has been recognised as a model state by NITI Aayog and WFP for the promotion of millets. Under the scheme, the benefits of millets are being promoted widely. Similarly, we will also succeed in the forgotten foods/neglected crops initiative, and our united efforts will bring more laurels to our state.
