The Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar began organising a three-day 83rd Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics (ISAE) on Monday.
State Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee attended the inaugural session and highlighted the changes in the agri-food system. He advised to improve the quality of food and adopt eco- friendly, climate-supportive farming methods. He said millet is a powerhouse of nutrition. Small and poor tribal farmers are involved in cultivation of millets.
OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof Pavat Kumar Roul said that there has been a change in the food style of people in view of the nutrition of the food. For example, the demand for small grains, tubers, sweet potatoes, etc., has increased to a large extent.
Guest of honour ISAE president Prof Dinesh Marothia spoke on research, sustainable development, tribal culture, etc.
Prof Binayak Rath, former Vice-Chancellor, Utkal University, and Praduman Kumar, former professor and head of the Division of Agricultural Economics, IAR, New Delhi, also attended as guests of honour.
