Odisha’s Millet Mission Sets National Benchmark, Says Union Agriculture Minister

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s growing leadership in promoting millet-based farming and nutrition took centre stage as the state celebrated Mandia Dibasa (Millet Day) today at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who commended Odisha for turning the millet movement into a people-led mission.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chouhan said that millets represent a holistic value that goes beyond food. “Shree Anna is nutrition, water conservation, environmental protection, and sustainability for the generations to come. Many states have spoken about millets, but Odisha has taken the idea to the fields and to the people. I congratulate the State Government for this remarkable and inspiring effort,” he said.

The Union Minister noted that millets have gained global acceptance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but spreading awareness among farmers, consumers, and communities remains key. “This campaign cannot succeed through speeches alone. We must engage directly with people and strengthen millet-based livelihoods. Processing is the most crucial link in the value chain, and Odisha has shown the way by ensuring procurement of Shree Anna at Minimum Support Price,” he added.

Chouhan also called for introducing millets into school mid-day meals and establishing millet outlets in government establishments, so the model can be replicated across the country. Appreciating the contribution of women farmers, he remarked, “Agriculture progresses when women lead. Odisha’s women farmers have played a defining role in shaping the millet movement.”

Welcoming participants, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the central role of farming in Odisha’s economy. He said, “Our farmer brothers and sisters, especially women, have benefited through the Millet Mission. Millets are rich in nutrition and flavour, and the state’s promotion efforts have empowered many small farmers to improve income and well-being.”

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Dr. Yvonne Pinto (Director General, IRRI), Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (Former Chief Scientist, WHO & Chairperson, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation), Miss Elisabeth Faure (Country Director India, World Food Programme), Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee (Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment), senior officers, researchers and agriculture experts.