Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today appealed to the people of Odisha to offer millet prasad to Goddess Laxmi during the Manabasa ritual in the upcoming Hindu month of Margashira. The call was made while the Chief Minister inaugurated a two-day international symposium on ‘Shree Anna & Forgotten Foods’ in Bhubaneswar, aiming to promote the consumption and cultivation of millets across the state.
“Offering millet prasad during the Manabasa ritual will play a significant role in raising awareness about millets as a nutritious food option. We should all work to educate people on the health benefits of Shree Anna, or millets,” said Chief Minister Majhi, highlighting millets’ role in fostering a healthier diet.
Odisha’s government has been ramping up efforts to support large-scale millet cultivation and aims to establish the state as India’s ‘millet hub.’ To encourage millet processing, the state is providing a 40% subsidy to entrepreneurs. Millet-based food items are already being distributed in hospitals, schools, and government canteens as part of efforts to combat malnutrition.
During his speech, the Chief Minister announced a substantial budget allocation of Rs 649 crore this year to promote millet cultivation, aiming to make the crop a pillar of food security in Odisha. He noted that Koraput district has a strong history of millet farming, which is now being revived in 177 blocks across the state. Additionally, two women farmers from Odisha were recognized as Millet Ambassadors at last year’s G20 summit in New Delhi.
Odisha is also taking steps to boost millet exports and make the nutritious grain a part of daily meals across the state, with the ultimate goal of positioning Odisha as the millet capital of India.
