Bhubaneswar: Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee has hailed the millet queen Raimati Ghiuria who was recently honoured with the Times Network Amazing Indians Awards 2024 by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju for her significant contributions to agriculture.
The trailblazing farmer from Koraput was recognised for preserving 30 rare millet varieties and imparting training on millet cultivation to women.
Dr. Padhee expressed his admiration for Raimati’s accomplishments and took to Twitter to congratulate her on receiving the esteemed Amazing Indian Award 2024 in agriculture, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field.
He applauded the Koraput millet farmer for her exceptional work in preserving traditional millet varieties in collaboration with Millets Odisha.
Taking to his X handle, Padhee wrote, “Feel immensely proud on Odisha’s custodian millet farmer from Koraput, Smt Raimati Ghiuria receiving the prestigious Amazing Indian Award 2024 in the category of Agriculture. Spoke and congratulated the truly committed, Raimati for her outstanding contributions and partnership with @MilletsOdisha in conservation of traditional millet landraces in the tribal heartland. Kudos.”
Dr. Padhee also praised the pioneering lady Raimati for her groundbreaking achievement in releasing traditional millet landraces from the region. This milestone achievement represents a historic first for India, as Raimati’s tireless efforts have led to the pioneering release of traditional millet landraces, highlighting her unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s rich agricultural legacy.
Dr. Padhee’s tweet highlighted this remarkable feat, acknowledging Raimati’s contributions to the field.
Dr. Padhee also tweeted: “Raimati has been my inspiration on conservation of traditional millet varieties. Release of Landraces as varieties from Koraput region, through efforts of @MilletsOdisha, is the first anywhere in the country. #AmazingIndians2024 @krushibibhag.”
It is pertinent to mention that Raimati’s tireless efforts to promote traditional millets have garnered international recognition, as she proudly represented Odisha at the prestigious G20 Summit in 2023. Her advocacy highlighted the significance of millets during the International Year of Millets, shining a spotlight on the importance of this ancient grain. Despite the dominance of rice and wheat, Ghiuria remains committed to reviving interest in millets, underscoring their vital role in sustaining agricultural diversity and food security.
For 21 years, Raimati has been a dedicated partner of the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), tirelessly advocating for organic farming practices and the preservation of traditional seed varieties. Her unwavering dedication has helped her win the prestigious Amazing Indians 2024 awards, with MSSRF proudly supporting her application. Ghiuria’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unrelenting passion for sustainable agriculture and her contributions to the field.
