Bhubaneswar, November 9:Odisha will celebrate the fifth edition of Mandia Divas on November 10 and 11 with a two-day conference in Bhubaneswar focusing on traditional seed conservation, agricultural biodiversity and climate-resilient farming.

Organised by the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department at Mayfair Convention, the event will be held under the theme “Community-based Seed Systems and Agricultural Biodiversity for Resilient Food Systems”.

Governor Braj Mohan Ram will inaugurate the event in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat and other dignitaries.

The conference will bring together scientists, policymakers, farmers and traditional seed conservators to discuss sustainable agriculture, preservation of indigenous crops and market opportunities for millets.

An exhibition showcasing traditional seeds, millet-based products, indigenous foods and agricultural innovations will also be organised.

Instituted in 2022 under the State Government’s Sri Anna Abhiyan, Mandia Divas recognises the contribution of tribal and rural farmers in conserving traditional crops, strengthening food security and promoting sustainable livelihoods.