Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today vowed to make Odisha as the millet hub of India. While inaugurating the two-day ‘International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods’ at Lok Seva Bhavan today, the CM urged the women to offer millet recipes to Goddess Laxmi on Manabasa Osa on every Thursday.
Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, the event aims to boost millet production and consumption in Odisha, establishing it as India’s millet hub. An allocation of Rs 649 crore has been made in this year’s budget for this purpose.
The Chief Minister urged women to make Millet a part of their Thursday ‘Manabasa Brata’. Notably, United Nations representatives, agricultural scientists, researchers, experts, intellectuals, farmers from various districts, and leading women farmers have joined the conference to promote the recovery of forgotten food grains.
Addressing the program, the Chief Minister stated, “Nutrition and farming systems have been integral to our tribal communities’ heritage.” Considering nutrition’s antiquity and cultural significance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi coined the term ‘Shree Anna’. These nutrient-rich crops are vital to Odisha’s agriculture, with Mandia and other climate-resilient crops being essential for nutrition and food security, Majhi added.
Shree Anna cultivation, initiated in undivided Koraput district, has revolutionized the country, with Odisha now cultivating it in approximately 177 blocks. The Chief Minister emphasized that 14 types of nutrition are recognized as essential in India, with Bajra, Jowar, and Millet being the most popular. In Odisha, Millet is the most produced crop, followed by other nutritious crops like Suan, Kangu, Kod, and Janha.
These nutrient-rich foods are gluten-free, high in antioxidants, and have a low glycemic index, helping prevent diabetes and manage blood sugar. Sriannas also combat cancer, anemia, and vitamin B deficiency, earning them the title of “superfood.” The government is supporting farmers in increasing Shree Anna production and promoting its inclusion in daily diets.
The Chief Minister encouraged food bloggers to create innovative recipes on millet. Women farmers have transformed millet farming into a movement in Odisha, with Raimati Ghuria and Subash Mahant being recognized as brand ambassadors of Sri Anna Farms at the G-20 Summit.
Awards were presented to districts and individuals for excellence in millet production and forgotten food cultivation. An exhibition showcasing extinct food grains and nutritious grains was also inaugurated.
Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo emphasized the importance of incorporating forgotten grains into our food chain, as they are rich in nutrients and vitamins. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stressed the need for agricultural diversification in the face of climate change, highlighting Sri Anna as the food of the future. Dr. Saumya Swaminathan praised the conference as a timely initiative to recover neglected grains, noting Odisha’s diverse food heritage, recognized by the World Food and Agriculture Organization.
