Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Odisha’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Watershed Support Service and Activities Network (WASSAN), which will serve as the programme secretariat for an initiative aimed at reviving forgotten foods and neglected crops across the state. With an outlay of ₹247.024 crore, the project seeks to conserve and promote traditional crops and indigenous seed varieties in 25 biodiversity-rich blocks spread across 15 districts, including regions such as Gandhamardhan, Niyamgiri, Sunabeda, Satkosia, Gupteswar, Malyagiri, and Similipal.
The programme aims to safeguard traditional crops and indigenous seed varieties that are gradually disappearing from mainstream agriculture. Scheduled for implementation over five years—from 2025–26 to 2029–30—the scheme carries a total budget of ₹247.024 crore, according to an official statement. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted the cultural significance of the initiative, stating, “Food keeps tradition alive; protecting it means preserving our heritage.” The project will prioritise conservation, documentation, and commercialisation of neglected crops, with a focus on benefiting local farmers and communities.
Aligned with Odisha’s broader push for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation, the initiative will include activities such as documenting and conserving neglected crops, multiplying traditional and indigenous varieties, reviving lost crops, establishing State Resource Centres, launching the Kamala Pujari Fellowship Programme, setting up farmer field schools, conducting nutritional profiling of traditional foods, and promoting value addition and commercialisation of products derived from forgotten crops.
