MSSRF participates at the Odisha International Convention on Millets

27/11/2023

The International Convention on Millets was organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, (Odisha Millet Mission) Government of Odisha, on November 9 and 10, at Bhubaneswar.  Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson – MSSRF, chaired an afternoon session on the first day of the Convention discussing the ‘Linkages between Millets and Health’ with eminent panellists. She emphasised that the health benefits of millets must reach all communities and that the Government plays a vital role in ensuring access to and affordability of millets for all. She also highlighted the need to establish an international Farm Training School in Odisha especially dedicated to the cultivation and utilisation of millets.

Supported by MSSRF, Bamandei Farmer Producer Company from Kundra block, Koraput district, showcased a wide array of diverse millets at the Convention on Millets. Visitors had the opportunity to observe numerous, traditional millet varieties cultivated in Koraput. The Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik, felicitated to Smt Raimati Ghiuria during the International Convention, recognising her exceptional efforts towards millet production, promotion, and conservation. Ms Raimati is a tribal woman farmer trained by MSSRF. She has also won recognition at the G20 Summit, bringing immense pride to the farming community of Odisha.