The Sukinda Chromite Mine (SCM) of Tata Steel in Jajpur district organised an agro forest food diversity festival ‘Prajatiya Khadyotsav on December 18 MS Swaminathan Research Foundation’s (MSSRF), Jeypore unit displayed 50 rare near extinct indigenous collections of paddy like Samudrabali, Machhaknta, Kalajira, etc. 21 varieties of raggi, like bada mandia, dasahara mandia, sana mandia, two types of foxtail millet and 41 varieties of plant parts used for medicinal purposes.
Successful vegetable farmers of the nearby village Nagada were also felicitated and given agricultural implements.
An exhibition of more than 80 varieties of ethnic and age old traditional and tribal food was set up. There were 30 varieties of traditional cake called Pitha (in local parlance), 10 types of rice, 25 types of curry, 35 types of roots, tubers and many more which the tribals have been using for ages.
Exotic items like black carpenter ant chutney, bamboo shoot pickle, country chicken khichdi, cakes made of Mahul flower, etc were also a big hit among the visitors attending the exhibition.
local MlA Preeti Ranjan Gharai joined as chief guest while Ferro Alloys and Minerals Division, Tata Steel General Manager, Operations, RR Satpathy was present, among others.