Umerkote: A block-level Subhadra Shakti Traditional Food Competition was organized today by the Mission Shakti Department of Umerkote, Nabarangpur district.
As part of this program, around 18 women’s self-help groups (SHGs) participated, preparing various traditional regional dishes as well as some specialty foods from other states. Among the local items prepared were Mandia Pakhala (Ragi water rice), Aamat (vegetable soup), Biri Pitha (urad dal cake), and various millet-based pithas, including Mandapitha.
The competition was held among Mission Shakti women, with the main objective being to preserve Odisha’s traditional foods, showcase the talents of local women, and motivate them toward entrepreneurship, thereby strengthening their economic stability and cultivating a business-oriented mindset.
Speakers at the event highlighted that people are forgetting traditional foods and are increasingly drawn to foreign food items, leading to various health issues. However, if we return to our roots and consume traditional foods, we can stay healthy and help preserve our culinary heritage for future generations.
The top-ranking SHGs from today’s program (first and second place) will qualify to participate in the district-level competition.
Present at the event were Block Chairperson Sushila Majhi, Minister’s Representative Ashok Kumar Padhi, BDO Manoj Kumar Meher, CDPO Sanyukta Behera, all supervisors, Anganwadi workers, and women members from Mission Shakti.
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