Bhubaneswar, 09 November (H.S.): The Odisha Government will celebrate the fifth edition of Millet Day on November 10 and 11 at Mayfair Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar, with a two-day conference on the theme “Strengthening Shree Anna and Landrace Seed Systems.”

Organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, the event will focus on community-based seed systems and agricultural biodiversity for resilient food systems, highlighting Odisha’s efforts to promote climate-resilient agriculture, millet cultivation and processing.

The conference will feature five technical sessions in collaboration with leading national and international institutions, including the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research.

The sessions will deliberate on agricultural biodiversity conservation, traditional food systems, millet-based enterprises, market linkages, natural farming and grassroots innovations by farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.

Declared in 2022 under the State’s Shree Anna Abhiyan, November 10 is observed annually as Millet Day to recognise the contribution of tribal and rural farmers to traditional crop conservation, food security, community health and rural livelihoods.

The 2026 edition will also feature an exhibition showcasing community seed banks, traditional farming practices, millet-based products, indigenous foods and agricultural innovations. Women seed conservators, self-help groups, entrepreneurs and research institutions will present their initiatives. Food tasting and sales of traditional food products will also be organised.

Governor Braj Mohan Ram will attend the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, former WHO Chief Scientist and MSSRF Chairperson Dr Soumya Swaminathan, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabhat Kumar Roul will also attend the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda