NewzVille Desk
In a historic moment Odisha’s exemplary contribution in transforming India’s millet movement into a people’s mission, “Mandia Dibasa” or “Millet Day” was celebrated in Odisha today. Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the event at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
In his inaugural address, Chouhan said, “Mandia Dibasa is not merely a day of celebration, it represents a meaningful campaign to promote Shree Anna. “Many have spoken about it, but Odisha has truly brought this vision to the ground. I wholeheartedly congratulate the Government of Odisha for this remarkable effort”, he said.
He emphasized that Shree Anna is not just a grain, but a symbol of nutrition, water conservation, environmental care, and sustainability for future generations. “Millets nourish both the body and the planet. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, millets have now gained global recognition,” he added.
Chouhan stressed that awareness about the nutritional and ecological value of millets must reach the people. “This cannot be achieved through speeches alone. We must engage directly with farmers and citizens, spread awareness about Shree Anna, and strengthen millet-based livelihoods,” he said.
Participating in the Mandia Dibasa, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed the successful implementation of several agricultural schemes benefiting millions of farmers. He added, “Farming is the pillar of Odisha’s economy. Our farmer brothers and sisters have advanced greatly under the guidance of the State Government. Millets, rich in nutrients, are both healthy and tasty, and through the Millet Mission, Odisha’s small and women farmers are progressing rapidly”.
The event was also attended by Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Dr. Yvonne Pinto, Director General of the International Rice Research Institute, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist of World Health Organization and Chairperson of MS Swaminathan Resource Foundation, Elisabeth Faure, Country Director India, World Food Programme, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, Shubham Saxena, Director Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment among other senior officers, scientists and researchers.
