Bhubaneswar: On this International Women’s Day, let us meet the “Milletpreneurs” of Odisha. Around 2000 women from tribal-dominated Sundargarh district have emerged as inspiring personalities through their efforts for consumption and cultivation of millets, thus contributing towards growth of nutrition and sustainable agriculture in the state.
The state of Odisha is at the forefront of reviving millets, a group of small-seeded grasses that are highly nutritious and drought-resistant, in farms and plates. In particular, Sundargarh district has emerged as a hub of millet cultivation and processing, thanks to the efforts of the Odisha Millets Mission (OMM), a flagship initiative of Krushi Bibhag, and the Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) under Mission Shakti Department.
OMM has been promoting the cultivation of millets in Sundargarh since 2017, and it has achieved groundbreaking results. Cultivation of millets has been done on around 5,200 hectares of land, benefiting 12,500 farmers. Around 2000 women under 209 WSHGs have been actively involved in this initiative.
They have set up Mission Shakti outlets at various places and are selling millet-based items like Bara, Singda, Pakodi, Arisa Pitha, Dahi Bara, Butter Milk, and Tea. They are also preparing various types of dry snacks, cakes, cookies, pastries, etc., from Millets.
The WSHGs have also set up millet processing units that produce millet-based products. The SHG members are involved in marketing these products, which have not only increased their income but also contributed to the promotion of millets as a healthy and sustainable food option. It is a matter of pride for the WSHGs that their work was recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat.
The success of these women in Sundargarh district is an inspiration for others to promote millets and contribute to the growth of sustainable agriculture in the state. Millets have the potential to address the challenges of malnutrition and climate change, and it is heartening to see the WSHGs of Sundargarh district leading the way in this regard.
