Odisha observes Mandia Divas to promote Millet

Bhubaneswar: Odisha observed the first Mandia Divas on November 10, to promote of consumption of millet as a superfood among people.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the extension of Odisha Millet Mission to all 30 districts of the state.

“The Millet Mission of Odisha has become an example for other states in the country. Nutrition has a significant role in the economic development of the country. The state government has decided to celebrate November 10 as Millet Divas in Odisha to promote millets consumption for better health and the environment,” said the Chief Minister.

Launched in 2017 the Odisha Millet Mission, the flag flagship programme of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment was initially implemented in 30 blocks of seven districts which was later implemented in 87 blocks of 15 districts.

“The state government will spend Rs 2,800 crore in Millet Mission in five years. Now, around 2 lakh farmers, 82 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and 1,200 Mission Shakti groups have been included in the mission. The numbers will go up significantly in the coming days,” informed CM.

In September this year, the agriculture department asked all the Government departments to serve millet-based snacks during all official meetings which would help popularise millet.

In Sundargarh and Keonjhar district, millet snacks and ragi sweets are introduced in midday meals in schools.