Sowing Sustainability: The Return of Adlay Millet in Arunachal

In the lush, remote hills of Arunachal Pradesh, a quiet revolution is taking root—led by a woman deeply connected to her land and lineage. Dimum Pertin, a passionate agri-entrepreneur from the Adi community, is on a mission to bring back Gepo Aali, a nearly forgotten variety of Adlay millet once cherished by her ancestors.

Gepo Aali was once more than just food—it was tradition, nutrition, and identity for the Adi people. But as modern crops like rice and maize took over, this resilient grain slowly faded from memory. Dimum saw this loss not just as a change in diet, but as an erosion of cultural heritage. Through her initiative, the Siang Organic Farmers Producer Company, she is now rallying local farmers—especially women—to rediscover and grow this climate-friendly millet. She’s helping them understand its health benefits, hardy nature, and growing market demand.

But Dimum’s vision goes far beyond farming. For her, reviving Gepo Aali is about reconnecting a community to its roots. Once used in festivals and sacred ceremonies, this millet carries the stories of the Adi people. With support from researchers and local institutions, she is working to create awareness, documentation, and sustainable livelihoods around it. She dreams of building a value chain where this grain is not only cultivated but also celebrated.

In breathing life back into Gepo Aali, Dimum Pertin is planting more than seeds—she’s nurturing pride, resilience, and a future where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.

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