Bhubaneswar: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed authorities across states to intensify enforcement against the use of illegal fruit ripening agents, reiterating a strict ban on harmful substances such as Calcium Carbide. The regulator has instructed all Food Safety Commissioners, Central Licensing Authorities, and Regional Directors to step up surveillance, conduct…
Bhubaneswar: The vibrant festival of Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, commenced on April 14, ushering in the Assamese New Year with week-long celebrations rooted in agriculture, culture, and community spirit. Leaders across the country extended greetings on the occasion, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Home…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has signed an agreement with Nexband Renewables to establish a 150-tonne-per-day compressed biogas (CBG) plant aimed at producing automobile-grade bio-CNG from vegetable waste. The proposed facility will be located in the Khuntabandha area of Begunia and will also generate solid and liquid organic fertilizers, providing an additional boost to…
Bhubaneswar: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has constituted a Special Task Force to develop strategies aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience in the face of evolving global geopolitical challenges. The first meeting of the Task Force was chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, where…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of India is maintaining close surveillance on the country’s food security situation in the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia conflict, assuring that adequate reserves and policy measures are in place to ensure stability. According to C. Shikha, Joint Secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the current foodgrain stock…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has delivered an outstanding performance at the national-level IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26, emerging as the overall champion by securing a total of 57 medals, including 15 golds. The successful participants were felicitated on Thursday at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida during a special ceremony. Congratulating the winners, Odisha’s Skill Development and Technical…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to expand its Rice ATM initiative to four more districts following the success of its pilot project in Bhubaneswar. The move is aimed at strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS) and making the distribution of subsidised food grains more convenient for beneficiaries. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna…
Bhubaneswar: The famous Manikapatna curd from Odisha is set to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) finalising the application process. Officials said the GI recognition would formally acknowledge the unique identity and traditional preparation methods of the curd produced in Manikapatna, a coastal village in the…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has launched ‘Rangotsav-2026’ in Bhubaneswar, a week-long fair aimed at encouraging safe, eco-friendly Holi celebrations while strengthening women-led rural enterprises. The event showcases herbal abir (colours) prepared by women Self Help Groups (SHGs), alongside a diverse range of rural products including handicrafts, handloom items, and traditional…
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi has urged the Odisha government to introduce ‘Tithi Bhojan’ and observe Poshan Diwas across anganwadi centres to reinforce ongoing efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. The recommendation was made during a review meeting of schemes under the Women and Child Development Department, chaired by Odisha Deputy…