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The International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods was held on 10th and 11th November 2024, at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. This unique two-day event celebrated Odisha’s agricultural heritage, with a focus on Shree Anna (millets) and the traditional yet often-overlooked foods that have long been a staple for Odisha’s tribal communities. Inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, the symposium highlighted the essential role these resilient, sustainable crops play in the face of today’s climate challenges and in fostering food security.
Millets have been integral to Odisha’s culture and the lives of tribal farmers, who have cultivated these crops for generations. Known for their resilience to drought, pests, and poor soil conditions, millets are increasingly recognized as the “crops of the future” in a rapidly changing climate. Recognizing their significance, the Government of Odisha launched the Shree Anna Abhiyan (formerly Odisha Millets Mission) in 2017, with a special emphasis on supporting the tribal farmers, especially women farmers. Due to its profound impact on the ground, the program has been extended for another five years, with a budget of approximately ₹2808 crores.
Alongside the focus on millet, the symposium also shed light on forgotten foods, and indigenous crops that have gradually disappeared from modern diets. To revive these foods, Odisha’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment launched an initiative under the Special Programme for Promotion of Integrated Farming (SPPIF), aimed at documenting, preserving, and promoting these culturally and nutritionally significant foods.
Objectives and Highlights of the International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods
The symposium was thoughtfully organized to present a strategic roadmap for promoting both Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods through sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices. Key sessions included:
- Sharing Best Practices: Highlighting community experiences in organic cultivation.
- Addressing Global Challenges: Discussing the global status and challenges associated with neglected crops.
- Processing and Value Addition: Exploring methods for enhancing the market value of these underutilized crops.
- Unlocking Potential: Tapping into the potential of neglected and forgotten foods.
- Community and Civic Engagement: Encouraging active community involvement in promoting forgotten foods and their associated arts.
- Pathways for Odisha’s Agricultural Leadership: Exploring ways to establish Odisha as India’s millet hub.
- Promoting Culinary Heritage: Fostering community engagement with the culinary history of neglected crops.
- Entrepreneurial Support: Encouraging entrepreneurship and market opportunities, especially for Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs).
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Ensuring long-term support for Millet Service Centers.
- Large-Scale Cultivation: Promoting large-scale production of neglected crops to enhance seed availability.
- Export-Driven Engagement: Fostering export-oriented industry partnerships for millet-based products.
Recognizing Excellence in Millet Promotion and Forgotten Foods Initiatives
During the inaugural ceremony, Koraput, Sundargarh, and Rayagada were recognized as the best-performing districts for millet promotion activities under the Shree Anna Abhiyan. Additionally, Harshita Priyadarshini Mohanty of Koraput received a special award for her contributions to seed conservation.
In the valedictory session, the top-performing SHGs involved in millet-based enterprises were also honored. These included:
- Maa Basundhara Mahasangha BLF for its Millet Shakti Café in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi.
- Rajput GPLF for its Millet Shakti Tiffin Centre in Semiliguda, Koraput.
- Shradhanjali SHG for operating a Millet Pulverizer Unit in Telkoi, Keonjhar.
Top-performing SHGs in promoting forgotten foods included Dulanpur SHG in Cuttack, Salini SHG in Nabarangpur, and Shyama SHG in Balangir.
Furthermore, awards were given to three best-performing FPOs: Jaivik Sri FPCL in Koraput, Udanti FPCL in Nuapada, and Budhsambar Dal & Vegetable PC Ltd. in Bargarh. The symposium also acknowledged top facilitating agencies such as DISHA (Sundargarh), CPSW (Nuapada), and SACAL (Ganjam) for their support in advancing the Shree Anna Abhiyan.
Showcasing Diversity and Innovation
With nine stalls set up at the venue, participants were treated to a vibrant display of forgotten crops, millets, pulses, seeds, leafy vegetables, and innovative farm tools. These exhibits not only showcased Odisha’s agricultural heritage but also emphasized the innovative potential of these crops for modern sustainable agriculture.
Building a Roadmap for Sustainable Agriculture
The symposium concluded with meaningful insights from experts and stakeholders on how forgotten foods and millets could address pressing issues such as climate resilience, sustainable farming, and nutrition security. Speakers underscored the adaptability of these crops, which thrive under local conditions with minimal external input, making them ideal for sustainable farming. By preserving and promoting these crops, Odisha can secure its agricultural heritage and offer communities nutrient-rich, locally adapted options.
Bringing Together Global Stakeholders
The ISSFF 2024 brought together a wide range of stakeholders—including WSHGs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), policymakers, international organizations like the FAO and APAARI, research institutions- IIMR, ICRISAT, health organizations, MSMEs, and culinary experts. Their collective efforts during the symposium created a strong foundation for the future of Shree Anna and forgotten foods in Odisha, emphasizing innovative farming practices, agro-biodiversity conservation, and new market opportunities.
The valedictory ceremony of the International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods 2024 was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, further underscoring the importance of the event and its objectives. Notable attendees included Ms. Elisabeth Faure, Country Head for India at the World Food Programme; Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha; Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT); Shri Prem Chandra Chaudhary, IAS, Director of Agriculture and Food Production, Government of Odisha; and Shri Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Director of Horticulture.
Their presence at the ceremony highlighted the collaborative efforts at both the state and international levels to advance the promotion of Shree Anna (millets) and Forgotten Foods, reaffirming a commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and the empowerment of farming communities in Odisha.
Conclusion
The International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods 2024 was a testament to the resilience, heritage, and future potential of Odisha’s traditional crops. It highlighted how supporting indigenous crops is essential for building a sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural landscape, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment alike. With the Government of Odisha’s commitment to programs like the Shree Anna Abhiyan and the Forgotten Foods Initiative, Odisha is on its way to becoming a leader in promoting sustainable, nutrition-rich agriculture for generations to come.
Author: Tapas Chandra Roy, A Certified Farm Advisor on Millets, ‘Promoting Millets from Farm to Plate’ and an Author of two books -” Millet Business Ideas-Empowering Millet Startups” & MILLETS: The Miracle Ancient Grains. In a mission to take the forgotten grains- Millets to Millions. To remain updated on my blogs on Millets please subscribe to my newsletter and for any queries please feel free to write to [email protected]