Bhubaneswar, November 9: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday inaugurated country’s first international level conclave on millets titled ‘International Convention on Millets’ at Janata Maidan here. The convention aims at preparing a global roadmap for millets.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Patnaik said, “My Government will put all the efforts to make Odisha become a centre for excellence and contribute to economic growth, wellbeing, and health of the people of Odisha.”
Highlighting that the United Nations has declared 2023 as International Year of Millets, Patnaik said that Odisha is the first State in the country to organise such a mega event involving all the stakeholders.
Odisha is a pioneer in designing a people centric millet mission with focus on livelihoods and nutrition of tribal communities, said Patnaik.
Welcoming the national and international guests, the Chief Minister said that Millets are traditional grains, climate resilient and a power house of nutrition.
“Millets can play an important role to achieve nutritional security. Humble millets are emerging as hope for our future,” said Patnaik.
Focusing on State’s initiatives, Patnaik said that Odisha Government always prioritized the welfare of every segment of society.
“We launched Odisha Millets Mission in 2017 with a focus to revive the millets. For us, promotion of millets is about justice and equity to rain-fed farmers of Odisha,” added Patnaik.
Calling upon all to spread word about the millets mission so every eligible farmer can become part of this journey, CM Patnaik said that Odisha is investing over Rs 2500 Cr for providing income and livelihood support to farmers.
Odisha produces different types of millets such as Sorghum Millet (Jowar), Proso Millet (Chena / Barri), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Foxtail Millet (Kakum / Kangni), Finger Millet (Ragi), Browntop Millet (Korle), Barnyard Millet (Sanwa), Little Millet, (Moraiyo). Buckwheat Millet (Kuttu), Amaranth Millet (Rajgira) and Kodo Millet.
In fact, food items prepared from millets grown in Odisha were served to the dignitaries of G20 New Delhi Summit held in September this year.
The State Government has already introduced ragi laddoo mix, made from ragi (locally called mandia) in the Anganwadi menu and mid-day meal scheme for school children.
