Union Minister Praises Odisha’s Agricultural Heritage Conservation and Millet Promotion Efforts

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, praised Odisha for its remarkable contributions to conserving agricultural heritage and promoting millets during the International Symposium on Shree Anna (Millets) and Women Farmers 2025 held in Bhubaneswar. The two-day event, organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, concluded on November 11 at the Lokaseva Bhavan Convention Centre. The symposium highlighted the theme “The Role of Women in Conservation of Agricultural Heritage and Biodiversity,” emphasizing the crucial participation of women in preserving traditional farming practices.

The inaugural session witnessed the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Addressing the gathering, Chouhan applauded Odisha for being the only state in India to celebrate a dedicated Millet Day (Mandia Dibasa), marking its leadership in millet cultivation and awareness. He noted that Odisha’s millet mission has set a national example by not only increasing production but also enabling supply to other states, thus strengthening the value chain for Shree Anna across the country.

Chouhan further recognized the outstanding contribution of women farmers in the success of Odisha’s millet promotion initiatives. He highlighted that their involvement has ensured sustainable cultivation practices and conservation of traditional crops. Odisha, he said, stands out as the first state to issue official guidelines for the conservation of traditional crop varieties, known as landraces, ensuring the preservation of indigenous agricultural biodiversity for future generations.

Additionally, the Union Minister appreciated Odisha for introducing women-centric agricultural machinery testing guidelines, a step forward in promoting inclusivity and gender sensitivity in the agricultural sector. He also lauded the state’s publication of the Millet Foundation Guide, the first of its kind, compiling comprehensive research, success stories, and resources on Shree Anna (millets), which serves as a valuable knowledge base for farmers, researchers, and policymakers.

During the valedictory session, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati commended the state government’s ongoing efforts toward sustainable agriculture and women’s empowerment in farming. He emphasized that Odisha’s initiatives reflect a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring both food security and environmental conservation. The symposium reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to leading the millet revolution and promoting women’s leadership in agricultural heritage preservation.

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