Bhubaneswar, 11 November (H.S.): The fifth edition of Mandia Diwas (Millet Day) concluded at Mayfair Convention in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, with a strong emphasis on natural farming, grassroots innovation and expanding Odisha’s millet-based economy.

Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, attended the valedictory ceremony and highlighted the need to promote sustainable agricultural practices, encourage farmer-led innovations and strengthen the millet value chain in the State.

Three technical sessions were organised on the concluding day, focusing on sustainable farming, grassroots innovation and enterprise development. The first session, titled “Natural Farming and Millets: Reviving Traditional Knowledge for Sustainable Agriculture”, was organised by the Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production.

The second session, also organised by the Directorate, featured inspiring success stories of farmers and agri-entrepreneurs under the theme “Pioneers of Grassroots Innovation: Inspiring Success Stories of Farmers and Agri-Entrepreneurs”.

The third session, conducted by the Indian Institute of Millets Research, focused on “Millet-Based Economy of Odisha: Enterprise Development and Market Linkages”, exploring opportunities to strengthen millet-based enterprises and improve market access.

A key highlight of the concluding day was the release of a book titled “Improved Cultivation Practices of Millets”. The publication is expected to serve as a practical guide for farmers and other stakeholders by providing information on improved millet cultivation techniques.

The valedictory session was attended by Dr Poma Tudu, Director of Agriculture and Food Production; Subrat Kumar Panda, Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development; and Arun Kumar Behera, Director of IMAGE, among other dignitaries.

Progressive farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and women-led enterprises were felicitated at the closing ceremony in recognition of their contributions to millet promotion and agricultural development in Odisha.

Organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, the two-day convention was held around the theme “Community-Led Seed System and Agrobiodiversity for Resilient Food Systems”. It brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, researchers, farmers, entrepreneurs and partner organisations to deliberate on strengthening sustainable agriculture and creating new opportunities across the millet value chain.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda