New Delhi (Agency): The government of Odisha has revealed plans to host an international convention focused on millets on November 9 and 10, 2023. The aim of the event is to promote millet-based products and encourage their export. In addition, the government has set an ambitious target to procure 8 lakh quintal of ragi in the upcoming financial year.
The convention will serve multiple objectives. It is designed to boost the inclusion of millet foods in various public systems, such as the public distribution system, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), mid-day meal programs, and hostels. The event also aims to link millets with sports and promote their use in sports hostels, schools, hotels, and hospitals.
“Engaging celebrities in the use and promotion of millets, linking millets and green investments, and re-exploring investments in the Odisha Millet Mission are among the plans,” said an official.
Odisha has received national recognition for its efforts in promoting millets. It was awarded as the best-performing state in millet promotion at the National Convention on Nutri Cereals in 2021. In 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) named it the best state for scaling up the millet mission.
Last year, the state government managed to procure about 6.04 lakh quintals of ragi. To enhance production, technology demonstrations took place across 79,000 hectares, involving 1.72 lakh farmers. For the current year, the target has been expanded to cover more than 2.2 lakh farmers across 1.5 lakh hectares.
Odisha is the pioneer in benchmarking little millet and foxtail millet for improved marketing strategies. The scope of the Odisha Millets Mission (OMM) has broadened to cover all 30 districts from the original 19 districts. The mission has been extended until the year 2026-27.
“The mission involves 120 Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and more than 1,500 women self-help groups (WSHGs) in various value chain activities,” added the official.
The upcoming international convention and ambitious procurement targets demonstrate Odisha’s continued commitment to promoting millets, both as a sustainable crop and a nutritious food option.