CM Mohan Charan Majhi Advocate for Millets, Traditional Crops & Sustainable Agriculture at International Symposium in Odisha

CM Mohan Charan Majhi Advocate for Millets, Traditional Crops & Sustainable Agriculture at International Symposium in Odisha

On Sunday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged the public to include millets in their daily diet and advocate for these nutrient-dense, climate-resilient crops as a means to promote sustainable agriculture. He made this appeal while inaugurating the two-day International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods (ISSFF), organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment at Lok Seva Bhavan.

Majhi said the state government is providing necessary assistance to farmers for increased production of Shree Anna (millets) to make Odisha, India’s millet hub. He also urged food bloggers to promote new recipes and cooking styles to make mandia (a type of millet) more palatable and accessible to every household.

The Chief Minister emphasized that these nutrient-rich crops are not only vital to the cultural heritage of indigenous communities but also essential for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. He revealed that the state government has allocated Rs 649 crore in the budget to boost both millet production and consumption across Odisha. Millet cultivation, which began in the erstwhile Koraput district, has now spread to 177 blocks in the state, he added. He also highlighted the pivotal role of women farmers in making mandia (millet) cultivation a powerful movement by citing the examples of Raimati Ghuria from Koraput and Subhasa Mahant from Mayurbhanj, two prominent women farmers who have showcased how mandia cultivation can significantly improve a farmer's economic situation. At the G-20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored these two women by appointing them as brand ambassadors for Shree Anna cultivation.

Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo highlighted that people in tribal areas are cultivating and consuming traditional, often forgotten crops, which are more nutritious and rich in vitamins compared to regular food varieties.

Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization and Chair of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, noted that Odisha boasts a rich diversity of food preferences, exemplified by the Chappan Bhog offered at the Shree Jagannath Temple. She also pointed out that Koraput has been recognized as one of India’s two agricultural heritage sites by the World Food & Agriculture Organization, alongside Kerala. Swaminathan emphasized the vital role women farmers in Odisha play in both cultivating and preserving Shree Anna.

Prof. Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, observed that while the Green Revolution had brought about significant changes in global food systems, the focus is now shifting toward organic farming. He noted that the world is increasingly concerned with nutrition, and Odisha has substantial potential for the development of minor millets. He stressed the importance of taking proactive steps to promote the cultivation of these crops.