Government of Odisha has signed a MoA with Watershed Support Service and Activities Network

Bhubaneswar:19/3/26:The Government of Odisha has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Watershed Support Service and Activities Network (WASSAN) to revive forgotten foods and neglected crops across the state.

The programme, worth ₹247.024 crore, will run from 2025–26 to 2029–30 and cover 25 biodiversity-rich blocks in 15 districts, including Gandhamardhan, Niyamgiri, Sunabeda, Satkosia, Gupteswar, Malyagiri, and Similipal.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasised the cultural importance of food, stating, “Food keeps the tradition alive, its protection is the protection of our tradition.” The initiative will focus on conservation, documentation, and commercialisation of neglected crops, ensuring benefits for local farmers and communities.

Senior officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Director of Horticulture Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director of Soil Conservation Shri Subrat Kumar Panda, and Additional Secretary Dr Ganeshwar Jena, attended the signing ceremony.

The programme aims to conserve indigenous seed varieties, revive traditional crops, and establish State Resource Centres. It will also introduce the Kamala Pujari fellowship program, farmer field schools, nutrition profiling of traditional foods, and value addition for commercialisation.

By promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, the Odisha government seeks to strengthen food security while preserving cultural heritage. The initiative highlights the state’s commitment to protecting indigenous knowledge and empowering farming communities.