Bhubaneswar, June 18(Newshub Desk): The Odisha government has unveiled a comprehensive scheme aimed at reviving indigenous crop varieties and preserving the state’s diverse culinary traditions.
Under the initiative, farmers cultivating traditional crops such as millets, pulses, and heritage rice varieties will receive financial and logistical support.
The scheme, launched under the banner of “Sustha Bhojan, Sustha Jeevan” (Wholesome Food, Wholesome Life), also includes collaborations with local self-help groups (SHGs), culinary artists, and educational institutions to promote age-old recipes through food festivals and curriculum modules.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasised that the program is rooted in the twin goals of nutritional security and cultural preservation.
“This is more than a farming scheme; it’s about reclaiming our identity,” he stated during the launch event.
The government will also set up seed banks and community seed fairs to encourage the exchange of native crop varieties.
Experts believe the move can help combat malnutrition, boost biodiversity, and provide resilient alternatives to farmers grappling with climate-induced crop failures.
In the first phase, over 1,000 villages across 10 districts will be selected for pilot implementation. Training modules, incentive structures, and marketing tie-ups with organic food brands are also on the anvil.
The scheme has received positive responses from rural development bodies and sustainability advocates, who see it as a progressive step toward integrating food heritage with economic growth.
