Bhubaneswar: In a powerful endorsement of Odisha’s pioneering efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised state’s leadership in both preserving agricultural heritage and boosting millet production.
Speaking at the international symposium on Shree Anna (Millets) and Women Farmers 2025 recently, Chouhan highlighted Odisha’s unique approach to supporting millets and empowering women farmers. Chouhan particularly lauded Odisha for being the only state in India to dedicate a specific day to millets, called Mandia Dibasa (Millet Day), underscoring the state’s commitment to celebrating and promoting this ancient crop. He also emphasised Odisha’s role as a model for other states, showcasing its leadership not only in enhancing millet production but also in exporting millets to other regions, helping to address food security and nutrition challenges. Moreover, Chouhan commended state’s innovative policies, including the introduction of guidelines for conservation of landraces and testing of women-centric agricultural machinery, which have been critical in advancing both sustainability and gender equity in agriculture.
The minister also highlighted the Millet Foundation Guide, a groundbreaking publication by Department of Agriculture, which serves as a comprehensive resource for research and knowledge on millets. These initiatives, he noted, represent a holistic approach to agricultural sustainability, with a special focus on empowering women farmers, who play a crucial role in the conservation of agricultural biodiversity.
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