Odisha Prepares to Lead the Way in Millet Revolution with International Convention

Bhubaneswar: As Odisha gears up to host an International Convention on Millets on November 10 and 11, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasized the state’s role in shaping the future of millets on a national and global scale. He called upon all stakeholders to support and ensure the success of this pioneering convention.

Notably, Odisha is the first and only state to host an international convention on millets, aligning with the celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

During an Apex Committee meeting attended by senior government officials, Chief Minister Patnaik highlighted the significance of this event. The convention will showcase the millet food cultures of tribal communities in Odisha and demonstrate the remarkable success stories of local farmers and Mission Shakti Groups.

Chief Minister Patnaik recognized millets as a traditional crop of tribal farmers, known for their climate resilience and rich nutritional content. Given the challenges posed by climate change, millets are emerging as a beacon of hope for the future.

He also celebrated the achievements of the Odisha Millets Mission, which is now acknowledged as a model for millet promotion by national and international agencies.

The convention’s theme, ‘Millets—Ancient Grains for Modern Challenges,’ will focus on millets and Odisha’s tribal communities. The event anticipates the participation of 4,000 to 5,000 farmers, Women Self-Help Group members, Farmer-Producer Organizations, and will include a variety of sessions and activities such as tribal culture exhibitions, demonstrations on machinery and packaging technologies, international millets food festivals, and cultural events, all centered around the vital role of millets in addressing contemporary challenges.