National Event Unveils New Strategies for Agro-Biodiversity in Odisha
A two-day national event focusing on agro-biodiversity conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable food systems kicked off on November 10, 2026, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The event brought together key figures, including Shri Braj Mohan Ram, the Governor of Odisha, and Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, the state’s Minister for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare. Additionally, prominent agricultural scientists and policymakers participated, highlighting the importance of sustainable agricultural practices.
The inaugural session marked an enthusiastic start to the event, which featured exhibitions showcasing agricultural innovations, indigenous crop diversity, and millet-based products. Attendees engaged directly with farmers, creating a vibrant atmosphere of knowledge exchange.
Emphasizing Agro-Biodiversity
In his address to the attendees, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, underscored the rich agro-biodiversity found in Odisha. He advocated for an increased focus on opportunity crops, particularly millets, to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, soil health, and nutrition. Dr. Jat emphasized the significance of local food systems for ensuring overall health.
Millet-Based Agricultural Transformation
Dr. Jat highlighted the success of the Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan, which he believes could serve as a national model for millet-based agricultural transformation. He outlined ambitious goals for expanding millet cultivation in the state, aiming to increase area from 1.79 lakh hectares to 5 lakh hectares by 2047, with a production target of 8 lakh metric tonnes. The state’s achievement in ragi procurement amounted to 7.5 lakh quintals during Kharif Marketing Season 2024-25, with a target of 8 lakh quintals set for 2025-26. Dr. Jat also acknowledged the vital importance of conserving indigenous millet varieties, including the 163 documented finger millet landraces and traditional varieties like Kalia, Bati, Mami, and Bharathi.
Future Directions for Millet Cultivation
Dr. Jat discussed several strategies for enhancing millet cultivation practices. These include promoting minor millets such as suan and kangu, developing affordable processing machinery, and strengthening farmers’ producer organizations (FPOs) and women’s self-help groups (SHGs). He proposed expanding millet-based enterprises and enhancing market linkages in collaboration with ICAR-IIMR in Hyderabad.
Strengthening Institutional Partnerships
Moreover, Dr. Jat emphasized the necessity of fostering research collaboration between ICAR-IIMR and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Millets at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology. The overarching goal of the event is to fortify institutional partnerships, spur knowledge exchange, and accelerate Odisha’s progression toward a sustainable and economically viable millet-based agricultural future.
