International Symposium on Shree Anna and Woman Farmer 2025 Organised

10–11 November 2025, Bhubaneswar

The International Symposium on Shree Anna and Woman Farmer 2025, organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, was held in Bhubaneswar from 10–11 November 2025. The event centred on the theme ‘Role of Women in Agriculture Heritage and Conservation of Agrobiodiversity.’

As the technical partner for the Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan, ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad showcased millet-based innovations through an extensive exhibition featuring value-added products, traditional seed diversity, processing technologies, SHG-led enterprises, FPO initiatives and start-up innovations.

Distinguished dignitaries including Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Agriculture Minister; Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha; Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Odisha; and Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Smt. Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Ministers visited the stalls and commended the innovations, community participation and the pivotal role of women farmers in driving Odisha’s millet movement. Their presence highlighted the expanding national momentum behind millets and reaffirmed Odisha’s leadership in millet-based development, nutrition security and climate-resilient agriculture.

A major highlight was the Technical Session on “MAHARISHI (A G20 Outcome): Harnessing the Value Chain Potential of Millets),” organised by the MAHARISHI Secretariat in collaboration with the symposium.

Renowned global experts, including Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR–IIMR, along with other senior officials, deliberated on strengthening millet value chains, emphasising a collaborative, whole-of-society approach. The panel underscored the need to position women entrepreneurs at the forefront of millet processing and market development, while advancing climate-resilient, low-input agricultural systems. Discussions highlighted the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern science, promoting community-led biodiversity conservation, women-driven innovation and the concept of Biohappiness. The session concluded with a call to establish decentralised, value-added agricultural systems to generate rural employment, enhance incomes, reduce post-harvest losses and promote gender equity.

Several publications were released during the symposium, including the Millet Foundation Guide, Standard Operating Procedures on Seed Systems, SOP on Women-Centric Ergonomic Testing, and a Compendium of Success Stories from Shree Anna Abhiyan. As part of the Shree Anna Project of ICAR–IIMR, a policy paper titled “Scenario of Millet in Odisha by 2047: Towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat Strengthening Food Security, Farmer Incomes and Climate Resilience” was unveiled to support the strengthening of Odisha’s millet value chain.

The valedictory session was graced by Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha; Smt. Pravati Parida, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister (Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti & Tourism); and Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister (Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy). The dignitaries lauded Odisha’s leadership in empowering women farmers and mainstreaming Shree Anna for improved nutrition, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

(Source: ICAR - Indian Institute of Millets Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad)