Bhubaneswar: A preparatory meeting for the International Shree-Anna Conference was held today under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, KV Singh Deo.
The conference aims to promote traditional food grains and important crops, particularly millet, on International Millet Day. Minister Singh Deo emphasized the importance of reviving endangered grains by attracting youth to traditional foods, which will increase farmers’ income and protect the state’s food heritage.
It was decided that one or more traditional grains/vegetables/fruits from all districts of Odisha would be selected and displayed at the conference. This will increase the demand for the respective fruits/vegetables and the farmers of the state will be attracted to farming, said the deputy CM.
Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, stressed the importance of a framework for a successful organization of Millet Day celebrations at every block, district and state level. He said that the Millet Service Centre will be opened and the food made from Millet will be displayed and sold.
The state government is offering a substantial incentive of 80% subsidy for establishing Millet Service Centres, said Padhee. He also stressed the importance of organic farming under the Odisha Balabhadra Jaibika Chasa Mission, envisioning Odisha’s future as a leading state in preserving traditional agricultural heritage.
He hoped that Odisha would emerge as a leading state in traditional agricultural heritage in future.
Director of Agriculture, Prem Chandra Chaudhary, and senior department officials were also present.
