Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today inaugurated the “Mandia Dibasa” (Millet Day). In his inaugural address, Shri Chouhan said, “Mandia Dibasa is not merely a day of celebration, it represents a meaningful campaign to promote Shree Anna. He emphasized that Shree Anna is not just a grain, but a symbol of nutrition, water conservation, environmental care, and sustainability for future generations.
Encouraging millet’s inclusion in nutrition schemes, he suggested that millets should be integrated into mid-day meals for children and millet outlets should be opened in all government departments, so that other states can replicate Odisha’s model. He also appreciated the significant role of women farmers in Odisha, saying, “Agriculture cannot progress without women. Odisha’s women have moved ahead and are leading from the front in farming.”
Presentation -Dibyabharati Nayak