Bhubaneswar, Nov 9: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to visit Odisha Monday to participate in the Mandia Diwas (Millet Day) celebrations, a key event promoting millet cultivation and rural prosperity.

As per his itinerary, the Union Agriculture Minister is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar by 11 AM and attend the inaugural session of Mandia Diwas at the Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan as the chief guest.

During the event, Chouhan will highlight the central government’s initiatives to boost millet production, processing, and consumption across Odisha and other parts of India. The programme aims to position millets as a tool for enhancing farmers’ income and strengthening the rural economy.

Also read: 'Silence Period' Begins in Nuapada Ahead of Bypoll

Following the inauguration, the Union Minister will travel to the sadar region of Cuttack for a field visit, where he will interact directly with farmers. He will listen to their experiences, understand the challenges they face, and gather feedback on agricultural policies. This grassroots engagement is part of his ongoing efforts to ensure that policy-making is grounded in field realities.

In the afternoon, Chouhan is scheduled to attend a strategic meeting at ICAR–Central Rice Research Institute in Bidyadharpur, Cuttack. The agenda includes discussions on key national agricultural missions such as PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, the Self-Reliance Mission for Pulses, and the National Mission on Natural Farming. Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR scientists, and representatives from the Odisha government are expected to participate.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan has emphasized that India’s future lies in the hands of its farmers and reiterated the government’s commitment to making agriculture profitable, sustainable, and technology-driven under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He stated that policy effectiveness cannot be confined to offices in New Delhi. “Real success comes from understanding ground realities through direct farmer engagement.”

Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan’s visit is seen as a significant step toward promoting sustainable and self-reliant agriculture in Odisha. His outreach reflects the government’s intent to align agricultural reforms with the aspirations and lived experiences of rural communities.