Bhubaneswar: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday lauded Odisha’s pioneering efforts in promoting millets, calling the state a “model for the nation” in transforming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Shree Anna into grassroots action.
Speaking at the state-level Mandia Dibasa (Millet Day) celebration held at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Chouhan said Odisha has turned words into deeds by making millets a people’s movement. “Mandia Dibasa is not merely a celebration — it’s a meaningful campaign. Many have spoken about millets, but Odisha has truly brought this vision to life. I wholeheartedly congratulate the state for this remarkable achievement,” he said.
Describing millets as a “symbol of nutrition, water conservation and environmental sustainability,” the Union Minister said that the grain nourishes both people and the planet. He emphasized the need to include millets in school mid-day meals and suggested that millet-based outlets be opened in all government departments. “Processing is the most crucial link in the millet value chain, and Odisha has shown leadership not just in cultivation but also in procurement at MSP,” he said.
Chouhan also praised Odisha’s women farmers for leading the change in agriculture. “Agriculture cannot progress without women. Odisha’s women farmers are at the forefront, showing the nation how to build resilient livelihoods,” he added.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who presided over the event, said millets represent both Odisha’s heritage and its future. “Farming is the backbone of Odisha’s economy, and our small and women farmers are progressing through the Millet Mission. Millets are healthy, tasty, and central to our vision of a prosperous rural economy,” he said.
The event saw participation from Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, senior scientists including Dr. Soumya Swaminathan and Dr. Yvonne Pinto, and global representatives from the World Food Programme and the International Rice Research Institute.
