In a major step towards sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Odisha has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Watershed Support Service and Activities Network to revive forgotten foods and neglected crops across the state.
Focus on Traditional Crops and Biodiversity
The ambitious initiative, with an outlay of ₹247.024 crore, will be implemented over five years from 2025–26 to 2029–30. It will cover 25 biodiversity-rich blocks across 15 districts of Odisha.
Key regions identified under the programme include:
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Gandhamardhan
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Niyamgiri
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Sunabeda
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Satkosia
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Gupteswar
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Malyagiri
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Similipal
Preserving Heritage Through Food
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo подчеркнул the cultural importance of the initiative, stating, “Food keeps the tradition alive, its protection is the protection of our tradition.”
The programme aims to preserve and promote indigenous seed varieties and traditional crops that are gradually disappearing from modern agricultural practices.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The initiative will focus on:
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Conservation and documentation of neglected crops
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Revival and multiplication of indigenous seed varieties
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Establishment of State Resource Centres
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Promotion of farmer field schools
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Nutrition profiling of traditional foods
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Value addition and commercialization of products
A special Kamala Pujari Fellowship Programme will also be introduced to support grassroots-level conservation efforts.
Boost for Farmers and Rural Economy
The project is expected to benefit local farmers and tribal communities by creating new livelihood opportunities and enhancing income through commercialization of traditional food products.
Officials present during the MoA signing included Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Subrat Kumar Panda, and Ganeshwar Jena.
Towards Sustainable Agriculture
The collaboration aligns with Odisha’s broader vision of promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and nutritional security.
By reviving forgotten foods and traditional crops, Odisha aims to strengthen its agricultural heritage while ensuring long-term ecological and economic benefits.