Bhubaneswar: The International Convention on Millets (ICM), organized by the Government of Odisha on November 9th and 10th, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the global celebration of ‘Mandia Dibasa’ or ‘Millet Divas,’ observed annually on November 10. The convention aimed to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, WSHGs, FPOs, policymakers, MSMEs, startups, research organizations, educational institutions, health institutions, hotels, and more, to create a comprehensive roadmap for the future of millet cultivation.
During the inaugural and valedictory ceremonies of the convention, several knowledge products or publications were launched, showcasing the commitment of Odisha towards the promotion of millets and sustainable agricultural practices.
Foundation Guide on Millets: The need for a comprehensive and authenticated guide on the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets led to the development of the “Foundation Guide on Millets.” In collaboration with eminent scientists and experts under the guidance of the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), the Odisha Millets Mission addressed the demand for evidence-based information. The guide focused on scientific evidence related to health and nutrition claims, environmental benefits, impact on farmers, women, and tribal groups, and the market potential of millets. This pioneering guide is expected to contribute significantly to global consensus on the nutritional aspects of millets beyond the International Year of Millets.
Special Cover Release on the occasion of International Convention on Millets 2023: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Department of Posts, released a special cover to commemorate the International Convention on Millets 2023. Designed around the theme “Ancient Grains for Modern Challenges,” the cover highlights the rich culture and heritage of tribal communities in Odisha. The cover presented by Postmaster General Rizu Ganguly and released by Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Naveen Patnaik, in the presence of esteemed guests.
Coffee Table Book: A coffee table book was launched to visually capture the journey of the Odisha Millets Mission and its stakeholders. Sponsored by World Food Programme(WFP), the book showcases the success and impact of innovative initiatives such as Millet Shakti Cafes, unique implementation frameworks, decentralized machinery, and the inclusion of millets in public distribution systems. It emphasizes the role of tribal farmers, custodian seed savers, women self-help groups, and farmer producer organizations in the mission’s success.
Millets & SDGs: The Odisha Millets Mission, in collaboration with the Planning & Convergence Department, released a report exploring the dynamic interplay between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and millets. The report focuses on how millets, as climate-resilient and nutritious crops, can contribute to achieving the SDGs. It highlights innovative approaches taken by the Odisha Millets Mission in integrating millets into agricultural practices, nutrition programs, and livelihood strategies.
Odisha Millets Mission: A Transition To A Just Food System: The Indian School of Business studied the Odisha Millets Mission from a food systems approach and published a report titled “Odisha Millets Mission: A Transition To A Just Food System.” The report emphasizes the mission’s pillars of justice, social inclusion, climate resilience, and nutrition security. It highlights the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern technology, infrastructure, and policy support, transforming the food system into an efficient, livelihood-securing, and nutrition-focused model.
Utkala Prasanga and Odisha Review Special Editions: The Information and Public Relations Department of the Government of Odisha published special editions of Utkala Prasanga and Odisha Review magazines dedicated to millets. These editions include articles from experts, scientists, professors, journalists, and officials, covering various themes such as millet’s role in addressing climate change, sustainability, food and nutrition security, business opportunities, millet landraces, and the journey of the Odisha Millets Mission.
Change Detection Study on Millets Based Food Habits of Tribal People in Odisha: Odisha is home to 62 tribal communities that have been custodians of millets since time immemorial. Tribals have conserved millets and predominantly consume them. However, due to many changes in the last few decades, millet consumption is decreasing. It has also been observed that the role of millets in the socio-cultural-religious life of tribal communities is undergoing a radical change. Therefore, the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI), in collaboration with Odisha Millets Mission, has undertaken a study to understand the changes in their food cultures. The report, titled “Change Detection Study on Millets Based Food Habits of Tribal People in Odisha,” was released in the Millets & Tribes Session by R Balakrishnan, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister’s Office, on 9th November at the International Convention on Millets.
Agroecological Innovations in Millets for a Climate-Resilient Food Basket: Under the Odisha Millets Mission, many innovative agroecological practices, such as the System of Millet Intensification, Line Transplantation, Intercropping, Mixed Cropping, and Innovative Crop Combinations, have been piloted for more than five years. This report captures innovative and agroecological practices and their associated success stories of farmers, WSHGs, FPOs, and NGOs. The Pragati NGO, in collaboration with the Odisha Millets Mission, has developed this report.
The International Convention on Millets in Odisha has not only provided a platform for collaboration but also showcased the state’s commitment to promoting millets as a sustainable and nutritious food source, contributing to global food security and environmental sustainability.
