Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday inaugurated the first-ever two-day International Convention on Millets (ICM) 2023 at the Janta Maidan in Bhubaneswar. National and International representatives along with senior administrators were present on the occasion. 
The Chief Minister inaugurated the convention, which aims at preparing a global roadmap for millets, by planting a sapling.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Odisha is a pioneer in designing a people-centric millet mission with a focus on the livelihoods and nutrition of our tribal communities.
The CM said, “My government will put all the efforts into making Odisha become a center for excellence and contribute to economic growth, wellbeing, and health of the people of Odisha.”
Welcoming the national and international guests, the CM said that millets are traditional grains, climate resilient, and a powerhouse of nutrition. Millets can play an important role in achieving nutritional security. Humble millets are emerging as hope for our future.
Saying that the United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, he stressed that Odisha is the first state to organise such an international convention involving all the stakeholders.
Focusing on the state’s initiatives, he said that the Odisha government always prioritised the welfare of every segment of society. “We launched Odisha Millets Mission in 2017 with a focus on reviving the millets. For us, promotion of millets is about justice and equity to rain-fed farmers of Odisha.” “To encourage millet cultivation,” he continued, “we have increased the direct benefit incentives for millets and laid out assured procurement of ragi. The state government is investing over Rs 2,500 crore for providing income and livelihood support to farmers.”
He called upon all to spread the word about the Millet Mission so that every eligible farmer could become part of this journey.
Praising the role of Mission Shakti Women Self Help Groups in the millet value chain, he said that under the brand of “Millet Shakti”, Mission Shakti Groups have shown the world how millet-based enterprises can play an important role in appealing to the taste buds of consumers and improve livelihoods.
The Chief Minister hoped a roadmap for millets for the future would be prepared at this international convention.
He commended the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment for organising this grand event and thanked all the stakeholders and organizations who have supported our efforts in taking millets to millions.
The Chief Minister awarded Sundargarh, Koraput, Rayagada, and Nuapada as the best production districts in millets. Sundargarh topped the list among districts. He also released a Coffee Table Book and a special Postal Cover. He felicitated five millet farmers for achieving exceptional success in millet production.
Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain said that the Chief Minister’s vision has led to the setting up of the Odisha Millets Mission. “Now millets are cultivated in 177 blocks of all districts. Mission Shakti women are leading millet cultivation and processing,” he said.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Secretary Manoj Ahuja said that the Odisha Millets Mission is not just a success in Odisha and India; it has also created a buzz across the globe.
ICAR DG Himansu Pathak said that ICAR will provide all support for the growth of millets. ICAR has developed 125 varieties of nine millets in the last five years, he added.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg said that millets are an intrinsic part of tribals’ food culture in Odisha. “We will encourage farmers to take up millet farming in a big way.”
Food and Agriculture Organisaion (FAO) representative in India Takayuki Hagiwara said that India and Odisha are champions of millets. It can transform the agricultural landscape of India, he added.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Principal Secretary Arabinda Padhee delivered the welcome address and Director Agriculture and Food Production Prem Chandra Choudhary proposed the vote of thanks.
International music composer, Grammy award winner Rickey Kej, and celebrity chef Vikash Khanna also joined the programme as brand ambassadors.
