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Shree Anna and Forgotten Food Festival:
In an inspiring step toward promoting sustainable agriculture and celebrating indigenous crops, the Regional-Level Shree Anna and Forgotten Food Festival took place at Nisani Munda Ground in Koraput. Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, this event is a regional precursor to the upcoming International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods scheduled in Bhubaneswar on 10th and 11th November 2024. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, this festival underscores the importance of traditional grains, especially millets, and other long-forgotten foods that form the core of Odisha’s food heritage.
Spotlight on Millets and Forgotten Foods:
Millets, often called “Shree Anna” in India, are resilient to climate variability and rich in essential nutrients, making them invaluable for food security and health. These ancient grains, including Mandia (finger millet), Suan (little millet), and others, were prominently displayed and celebrated at the festival. By showcasing millet-based dishes like Mandia Kheer, Manduru, Suan Biryani, and more, the event highlighted the nutritional benefits and cultural significance of these foods. Through efforts like this festival, Odisha is revitalizing millet consumption and promoting it as a sustainable choice that is deeply rooted in traditional dietary practices.
Role of Odisha’s Agroecological Heritage:
The festival gathered representatives from farmer groups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and civil society organizations across the districts of Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and Koraput. Various stalls displayed forgotten foods, indigenous crops, and traditional recipes, aiming to preserve the agroecological knowledge that has sustained generations. Visitors to the event discovered unique foods like Langal Kanda, Kandamula sag (sweet potato), bamboo Shoots, Saru Kanda, and many other local plant varieties. The diversity of these foods not only enriches diets but also supports biodiversity, which is crucial for a resilient ecosystem.
Cultural Celebrations and Culinary Showcases:
The festival began with a Dhemsa performance, a traditional tribal dance by local women, showcasing the vibrant cultural fabric of Koraput. Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) played a central role, in preparing and presenting traditional millet-based dishes and forgotten foods. Through these dishes, the SHGs demonstrated how these foods are not only nutrient-dense but also form an essential part of Odisha’s culinary heritage. This connection between food and culture was a prominent theme, demonstrating the region’s deep-rooted agricultural practices and how they align with modern values of sustainability and nutrition.
Recognizing Champions of Forgotten Foods and Millets:
During the festival, awards were given to successful tiffin centers, FPOs, progressive farmers, and custodian farmers who are championing the cause of forgotten foods. Individuals like Raimati Gheuria, Harshita Priyadarshini, Sankar Pattnaik, and Netrananda Lenka were honored for their conservation efforts in preserving indigenous millet varieties and landraces. These acknowledgments spotlight the vital role that local custodians play in keeping traditional crops alive, thereby contributing to Odisha’s agricultural and nutritional resilience.
Engaging the Next Generation in Forgotten Food Awareness:
The festival also emphasized education, especially among younger audiences, by organizing drawing, quiz, and essay competitions for school students to raise awareness about the benefits of millets and forgotten foods. A cooking competition focused on millet-based recipes brought out the creativity of local women, reinforcing how these grains can be adapted to contemporary tastes while preserving traditional recipes.
Platform for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security:
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Raghuram Machha, Hon’ble MLA, Koraput; Shri Tara Prasad Bahinpati, Hon’ble MLA, Jeypore; Ms. Sasmita Meleka, Hon’ble President, Zilla Parishad; Shri Lalat Ranjan Sethi, Hon’ble Chairman, Municipality Koraput; Shri Keerthi Vasan V., IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Koraput; Prof. (Dr.) Prafulla Chandra Mohapatra, Director, COATS; Shri Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, CDAO, Koraput; and Smt. Raimati Gheuria, Custodian Farmer. Their support signifies a commitment to fostering food security through indigenous crops that are well-suited to Odisha’s climate and soil conditions.
Conclusion: Millets and Forgotten Foods as the Path Forward
The Regional-Level Shree Anna and Forgotten Food Festival is a reminder of the nutritional, cultural, and ecological value embedded in traditional foods. By promoting these forgotten crops, Odisha is paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices that respect the environment, support biodiversity, and strengthen food security. Millets and other native foods offer a future where traditional wisdom meets modern nutritional needs, making them a true treasure worth rediscovering and preserving. As the state gears up for the International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods, this event marks a powerful step forward in Odisha’s journey to celebrate and elevate its rich food heritage.
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]