International Symposium on Shree Anna and Women Farmers Concludes in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The two-day International Symposium on Shree Anna (Millets) and Women Farmers 2025, organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, concluded successfully at the Lokaseva Bhavan Convention Centre on Tuesday. The event centred around the theme “The Role of Women in Conservation of Agricultural Heritage and Biodiversity.”

The inaugural session was graced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

In his address, Chouhan praised Odisha’s pioneering efforts in conserving agricultural heritage and promoting Shree Anna (Millets) at both national and global levels. He applauded Odisha for being the only State in India to celebrate Mandia Dibasa (Millet Day), describing it as a remarkable example of how millet promotion can be turned into a people’s movement. The Minister also highlighted Odisha’s leadership in millet production and distribution to other States, while recognising the crucial role played by women farmers in driving this transformation.

He further noted that Odisha is the first State to issue comprehensive guidelines for the conservation of traditional crop varieties (landraces) and to introduce testing protocols for women-centric agricultural machinery. Shri Chouhan also appreciated the Department’s publication of the Millet Foundation Guide—a first-of-its-kind knowledge compendium that consolidates research, data, and best practices related to Shree Anna.

The Symposium served as a platform for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to share experiences and discuss strategies to enhance millet-based livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and gender-inclusive agricultural development.

The event concluded with the valedictory session graced by the Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, who lauded the State’s continued commitment to sustainable agriculture and women’s empowerment. The Governor commended the symposium for fostering dialogue and collaboration towards achieving resilient and inclusive food systems.