Bhubaneswar, Nov. 10: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday inaugurated the two-day international event titled ‘Shree Anna and Agricultural Heritage of Odisha’ here at the Lok Seva Bhavan. On the occasion, he highlighted Odisha’s commitment to promoting millet cultivation and consumption.

Organised by the agriculture and farmers' empowerment department, the conference aims to position Odisha as a millet production center and revive lesser-known grains within the state and beyond.

Majhi emphasized millet’s benefits as a “nutritional powerhouse” and a climate-resilient crop, woven into the state’s tribal heritage. He announced that Rs 649 crore has been earmarked in Odisha’s budget to boost millet cultivation across 177 blocks. “Millet is more than just a crop; it’s integral to our cultural and nutritional security,” he remarked, highlighting the crop’s value in promoting health.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including UN representatives, scientists, and women farmers from Odisha, all advocating the return of grains rich in essential nutrients. The Chief Minister highlighted millet’s health advantages—its gluten-free nature, high antioxidant content, and low glycemic index—which support blood sugar management, cancer risk reduction, and anemia prevention, positioning it as a superfood.

Women farmers are at the forefront of Odisha’s millet movement. Majhi honored two women, Raimati Ghuria from Koraput and Subasha Mahant from Mayurbhanj, who were recognized as Shrianna Farm ambassadors at the G-20 summit for their contributions to millet farming and their efforts to support economic resilience among farmers. The event also recognized districts and individuals for their excellence in millet farming, with awards going to Koraput, Sundergarh, and Rayagada.

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo praised Odisha’s tribal communities for conserving these forgotten foods, observing that traditional grains are often more nutrient-dense than modern alternatives. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja added that millets represent “the food of the future” as climate resilience becomes critical, advocating for a mix of scientific and traditional approaches to promote millet.

Dr. Saumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist, and Professor Ramesh Chand from NITI Aayog added their voices, acknowledging Odisha’s role in the global millet industry and the potential to scale production. The conference also showcased a display of nearly extinct grains, affirming Odisha’s commitment to traditional agriculture and millet’s role in sustainable health.