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This is an archive article published on August 18, 2023
Odisha ‘becomes first state’ to release 4 farmer varieties of ragi
The four varieties are initially allowed to be sold for purpose of agriculture in Odisha’s Koraput and Malkangiri districts under the seed system for landraces of the Odisha Millet Mission.
The ragi varieties under the SSL are also expected to be tested in 10 agroclimatic regions of Odisha. (Twitter/@krishibhag)
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Odisha ‘becomes first state’ to release 4 farmer varieties of ragi
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Odisha has become the first state to release four farmer varieties of ragi under the seed system for landraces (SSL) of the Odisha Millet Mission, the state’s department of agriculture & farmers’ empowerment said.
The four farmer varieties are Kundra Bati, Laxmipur Kalia, Malyabanta Mami and Gupteswar Bharati, a statement on Thursday read. The notified varieties are initially allowed to be sold for seed production and agriculture in Odisha’s Koraput and Malkangiri districts.
The ragi varieties under the SSL are also expected to be tested in 10 agroclimatic regions of Odisha.
A standard operating procedure (SOP) has been developed by the state agriculture department for reproduction, evaluation and release of the four traditional varieties.
The SOP was formulated in consultation with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), technical experts, field NGOs and custodian tribal farmers, the release said.
4 millet landraces were sown on the rooftop garden of Krushi Bhavan in presence of Chief Secretary Shri @PradeepJenaIAS & Development Commissioner Smt. @_anugarg to whom Principal Secretary Dr. @arvindpadhee elucidated how promoting these landraces honours custodian farmers. pic.twitter.com/flQjj3TEAa
— କୃଷି ବିଭାଗ, ଓଡ଼ିଶା (@krushibibhag) August 17, 2023
“Promotion of landraces is about respecting the heritage and efforts of tribal farmers in conservation of the ancient grains (millets) since time immemorial. Seed systems for landraces (SSLR) is a unique initiative where a traditional landrace is notified as variety and released into the seed chain,” the department’s principal secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee said.
Government of Odisha launched the Odisha Millet Mission in 2017 to revive millets.
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