When Raimati Gheuria, a tribal farmer from the remote Nuaguda village in Koraput, walked up to receive her honorary doctorate from President Droupadi Murmu, the applause wasn’t just for her—it was for every seed she had planted to protect India’s rich millet heritage. From the rugged hills of Koraput to the convocation at OUAT, Raimati’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, tradition, and innovation.
On Thursday, December 5, Odisha’s millet mission reached a historic milestone. For Raimati, known as the Mandia Rani(Queen of Millets) in her community, the recognition was more than personal—it honored her decades-long effort to preserve and promote traditional grains, which are the foundation of sustainable farming in the region.
Raimati’s story began in the fertile yet challenging landscapes of Koraput, a district celebrated for its biodiversity and indigenous farming practices. Motivated by her ancestors' methods, she dedicated herself to saving traditional rice and millet varieties that were quickly disappearing due to the rise of modern agriculture.
Today, Raimati is a respected farmer, trainer, and community leader. She has successfully preserved 72 varieties of rice and 30 types of millet, including Koraput’s prized Bati Mandia and Mami Mandia. These grains are not only rich in nutrition but are also resilient to the challenges of climate change.
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