Bhubaneswar, 19 March (H.S.): In a major step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and preserving traditional food systems, the Odisha government has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN) to revive forgotten foods and neglected crops across the state.

The initiative, with an outlay of ₹247.024 crore, will be implemented over five years (2025–26 to 2029–30) and cover 25 biodiversity-rich blocks in 15 districts, including regions such as Gandhamardhan, Niyamgiri, Sunabeda, Satkosia, Gupteswar, Malyagiri and Similipal.

The programme aims to conserve and promote traditional crops and indigenous seed varieties that are gradually disappearing from mainstream agriculture. It will focus on documentation, conservation, multiplication, and commercialization of these crops, thereby benefiting local farmers and communities.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo подчеркнул the importance of the initiative, stating, “Food keeps tradition alive, and its protection is essential for preserving our heritage.”

Senior officials present during the signing ceremony included Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment Department Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development Subrat Kumar Panda, and Additional Secretary Dr. Ganeshwar Jena.

The programme also envisages the establishment of State Resource Centres, farmer field schools, and a fellowship programme in the name of Kamala Pujari. It will further focus on nutrition profiling, value addition, and market linkage of products derived from traditional crops.

The initiative is aligned with the state’s broader goal of strengthening agricultural sustainability while preserving Odisha’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda