Odisha's Millet Revolution: Women Farmers Lead the Charge

In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urges women to offer millets during the 'Manabasa Gurubara' festival to promote this nutrient-rich grain. The state aims to become India's millet hub, allocating Rs 649 crore for its cultivation. Women's efforts in Odisha are revitalizing forgotten crops.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha urged Odia women on Sunday to offer millets to Goddess Lakshmi during the 'Manabasa Gurubara' festival. Traditionally celebrated on Thursdays of the Odia month of 'Margasira', this festival involves offerings to the Goddess of wealth, promoting prosperity and abundance.

The appeal was made during the International Symposium on Shree Anna (millet) & Forgotten Foods. Majhi emphasized that this initiative could significantly boost millet's popularity, aligning with the state's objective to transform Odisha into the millet hub of India, supported by a budgetary provision of Rs 649 crore.

Odisha's millet cultivation, originating from the Koraput district, has expanded across the state and is now supported by government initiatives. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and other leaders highlight the broader benefits, including nutritional value and economic prosperity for tribal areas. The state is encouraged to engage private investors for value addition in agriculture.

(With inputs from agencies.)