Bhubaneswar: In order to enhance food security and safeguard sustainable agricultural practices, Odisha is going to organise the ‘Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods’ symposium.

Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo informed the two-day international conference will witness participation from experts from across the country as well as the world. The conference beginning November 10 will have 11 technical sessions, added Singh Deo, who also holds the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment department.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the conference.

ISSFF 2024 will bring together different stakeholders such as the Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), the 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 the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the 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.

The event will have nine 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.