Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates International Convention on Millets
By B.Maharana
Bhubaneswar, November 09
Odisha Government on Thursday hosted the first-ever International Convention on Millets in Bhubaneswar. The two day event will show case Odisha Millet Mission’s pioneering efforts in promoting the indigenous cereal crops and bring millets from farm to plates for a healthier, prosperous and sustainable future.
Inaugurating the grand event, CM Naveen Patnaik said that Odisha is pioneer in designing a people centric millet mission with focus on livelihoods and nutrition of tribal communities.
Highlighting that the UN has declared 2023 as International year of Millets, CM said Odisha is the first state to organize such a mega event involving all stakeholders taking millets to millions.
Welcoming the national and international guests Patnaik said that Millets are traditional grains , climate resilient and a power house of nutrition. These Cereal crops can play an important role to achieve nutritional security and emerge as hope for future, he said.
CM stressed that the state government will put all efforts to make Odisha a center for excellence and contribute to economic growth , wellbeing and health of people.
Focusing on the state’s initiatives, Patnaik said that Odisha has always prioritised the welfare of every segment of society with flagship Millets Odisha launched in 2017 with a focus to revive themillets on farm and on plates.For the government, millets is aabout justice and equity to rain-fed farmers of Odisha.
To encourage millet cultivation, Odisha has increased direct benefit incentives for crops and laid out assured procurement of ragi ,CM said.
Calling upon all to spread word about the millets mission so every eligible farmers can become part of this journey, CM said that Odisha is investing over Rs.2,500 crore for providing income and livelihood support to farmers.
CM praised the role of mission shakti in the millet value chain adding that they have showed that millet-based enterprises can play an important role in appealing to taste buds of consumers and improve livelihoods.