Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Lauds Odisha’s Leadership in Millet Promotion at Mandia Dibasa Celebration

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday inaugurated the “Mandia Dibasa” (Millet Day) celebrations at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, commending Odisha for its pioneering efforts in promoting millets and transforming the vision of Shree Anna into action.

Calling Odisha a “model for the entire nation,” Shri Chouhan said the state has shown how to convert the millet movement into a people’s mission. “Mandia Dibasa is not merely a day of celebration—it represents a meaningful campaign to promote Shree Anna. Many have spoken about it, but Odisha has truly brought this vision to the ground,” he said.

Highlighting the nutritional, environmental, and economic value of millets, the Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, millets have gained global recognition. “Millets nourish both the body and the planet. They symbolize sustainability, water conservation, and health for future generations,” he remarked.

Shri Chouhan called for greater awareness about millets at the grassroots level, urging scientists to focus on research and processing technologies to strengthen the millet value chain. Applauding Odisha for purchasing Shree Anna at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and ensuring farmer participation, he said, “Odisha stands as an inspiring example for the entire country.”

The Minister also suggested that millets be integrated into mid-day meal schemes for children and that millet outlets be opened across all government departments to popularize consumption. Acknowledging the role of women farmers, he said, “Agriculture cannot progress without women. Odisha’s women farmers have taken the lead and are setting an example for the nation.”

Welcoming delegates, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, agricultural reforms have benefited millions of farmers across India. “Farming is the pillar of Odisha’s economy. Through the Millet Mission, our small and women farmers are progressing rapidly. Millets reflect both our heritage and our future,” he said.

The event was attended by Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha; Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General, International Rice Research Institute; Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist, WHO; Miss Elisabeth Faure, Country Director, World Food Programme; and senior state officials including Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee and Shri Shubham Saxena, along with scientists and agricultural experts.

The celebration reaffirmed Odisha’s leadership in reviving traditional crops and aligning local agricultural practices with sustainability, nutrition, and farmer empowerment, setting a strong example for other states in advancing India’s Shree Anna Mission.