Umerkote– A workshop and exhibition on the conservation of traditional crop varieties was organized by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Umerkote. The event focused on preserving endangered crop varieties, with experts emphasizing the need to protect and research old seed varieties. Through research, these seeds could be modified and utilized effectively, helping farmers benefit while also achieving recognition at the international level.
With climate change making agriculture more vulnerable, traditional crop varieties are disappearing, especially in rainfed areas. The workshop aimed to promote policy discussions on this issue, said Dr. Shashanka Lenka, Senior Principal Scientist at KVK, who presided over the event. Dr. Paritosh delivered the welcome address.
The chief guest, Dr. Parshuram Sial, Associate Director of the Regional Agricultural Research Center, stressed the importance of promoting traditional seed varieties for the welfare of farmers and sustainable agriculture. He highlighted the need to connect traditional crop varieties to markets and integrate them into natural farming schemes. Discussions were also held on the Government of India’s initiatives to promote millet and indigenous crops.
Successful farmers and seed conservationists from Odisha showcased indigenous seed varieties and were felicitated for their contributions. Among the distinguished guests were Santosh Nayak, Block Agriculture Officer of Umerkote, senior farmer Patiram Majhi, and women farmer Deepti Mani Dharua. Also present were Beena Pani Taria (Farm Manager, KVK), Swagatika Mallik (Agricultural Machinery Engineer), and field coordinator Dhirendra Singh Yadav. The event was coordinated by Rati Ranjan Behera, and the program concluded with a tour of the seed exhibition by the attending farmers.
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