Shree Anna Takes Center Stage at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas with Millet Shakti Stalls

 

During the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held from January 8-10, 2025, Millet Shakti stalls, part of the Shree Anna Abhiyan (SAA) initiative, captivated visitors with a range of delicious millet-based dishes. The initiative, led by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment in partnership with the Department of Tourism, aimed to highlight the nutritional benefits and culinary potential of millets, targeting the global Indian community.

A total of 15 Millet Shakti stalls were set up across key tourist destinations in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Jajpur. The Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, visited the stall at Konark, reiterating the government's commitment to promoting millets as a staple in Odisha.

International guests, including delegates from Italy and Belgium, also explored the stalls, expressing appreciation for the taste and health benefits of millet-based dishes. In Bhubaneswar, the stalls were strategically placed at renowned locations such as Kalabhoomi, Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves, Lingaraj Temple, Odisha State Museum, Dhauli, Nandankanan Zoo, and Mukteswar Temple. The stall in Jajpur was set up at Ratnagiri.

These stalls were managed by Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), who presented a variety of millet delicacies. Traditional favorites like millet poda pitha, kakera pitha, manda pitha, and millet dry fruit cakes were served alongside creative dishes such as ragi chowmein. A selection of snacks like ragi murukku, ragi nimki, jowar sev, ragi mixture, ragi almond cookies, ragi hazelnut cookies, jeera cookies, and cashew cookies were also available, demonstrating the versatility of millets in diverse recipes.

Each stall attracted 150-200 visitors, with many showing keen interest in the preparation and nutritional value of millet dishes. The warm and welcoming approach of the WSHG members ensured that visitors had a memorable experience, with lots of positive feedback.

This initiative not only raised awareness about the benefits of millets among both Indian and international visitors, but also marked a significant step towards popularizing millets as a sustainable, nutritious food choice. The success of the millet stalls at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a clear reflection of the growing interest in millets.

The Government of Odisha continues to support the promotion of millets, acknowledging their crucial role in enhancing food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

 

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