Odisha Gears Up for 5th Mandia Divas to Champion Millets and Traditional Seed Systems
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha is set to celebrate the 5th edition of Mandia Divas on November 10 and 11 with a two-day conference in Bhubaneswar aimed at promoting traditional seed systems, agricultural biodiversity, and climate-resilient food systems.
The event is being organised by the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department under the theme, “Community-based Seed Systems and Agricultural Biodiversity for Resilient Food Systems.”
The flagship programme will bring together policymakers, agricultural scientists, researchers, seed conservators, women’s entrepreneurs, and farmers to discuss strategies for strengthening millet cultivation and preserving indigenous crop varieties.
Distinguished guests expected to attend include Braj Mohan Ram, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Dr Mangi Lal Jat, and Prof. Prabhat Kumar Roul.
A major highlight of the celebration will be the conference titled “Strengthening Sri Anna and Landrace Seed Systems,” featuring five technical sessions.
Experts will deliberate on agricultural biodiversity, sustainable farming practices, climate resilience, seed conservation, and emerging market opportunities for nutri-cereals, particularly millets.
Institutions such as the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research will contribute to the discussions, offering insights into strengthening community-based seed systems and resilient food production models.
The event will also feature an exhibition showcasing community seed conservation initiatives, women-managed seed banks, traditional food systems, millet-based products, indigenous crops, and agricultural innovations developed by startups and research organisations.
Introduced in 2022 under the Sri Anna Abhiyan, Mandia Divas has evolved into a prominent platform recognising tribal and rural farming communities for their contribution to preserving traditional crop varieties and enhancing food and nutritional security.
Through this year’s celebration, the state aims to further promote millet-based agriculture, strengthen indigenous seed systems, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
