Possibilities of collaboration between the Odisha Government and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) were discussed at a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary AP Padhi at the State Secretariat on Friday. Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan outlined the areas for the discussions.
A ten-member UNEP delegation led by Executive Director Erik Solheim held elaborate discussions, which centred round achieving sustainable development through application of green technology. Scaling up of solar energy, organic farming and traditional agricultural potential were emphasised.
Odisha’s traditional horticultural products like turmeric, zinger and maize also figured in the discussions. Agriculture Secretary Monoj Ahuja said that this year organic farming of millets has been introduced among 14,000 farmers in the State. It was pointed out that maize alone has a market of around Rs 1,000 crore.
Padhi suggested formation of a joint committee for identification of specific areas for collaboration with the UNEP.