In a major step toward building climate-resilient and sustainable food systems, Odisha has laid down a comprehensive national roadmap for millet-led agricultural transformation.
The ambitious blueprint was presented during the inaugural day of a two-day national event on Agro-Biodiversity Conservation, Climate-Resilient Agriculture, and Sustainable Food Systems, which commenced today in Bhubaneswar.
The high-level gathering brought together key dignitaries, including Brajmohan Ram, Governor of Odisha; Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Odisha; Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR); Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation; and Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha.
Ambitious Targets for 2047
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. M.L. Jat highlighted the critical role of Odisha’s rich agro-biodiversity in tackling modern agricultural challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and nutritional insecurity. He praised the success of the Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan, describing it as a scalable model for the entire nation.
Dr. Jat outlined a vision to expand millet cultivation in Odisha from the current 1.79 lakh hectares to 5 lakh hectares by 2047, targeting a production volume of 8 lakh metric tonnes. He commended the state’s progress in finger millet (ragi) procurement, noting the receipt of 7.5 lakh quintals in Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 and a targeted 8 lakh quintals for KMS 2025-26.
Preserving Indigenous Diversity & Minor Millets
A core focus of the event was the preservation of traditional landraces. Dr. Jat emphasized the importance of safeguarding the 163 documented finger millet landraces native to Odisha, particularly popular indigenous varieties such as Kalia, Bati, Mami, and Bharathi.
Beyond finger millet, the roadmap calls for scaling up scientific cultivation practices for minor millets like suan (little millet) and kangu (foxtail millet).
Strengthening Infrastructure and Research
To support farmers and boost local food economies, the roadmap highlights several strategic interventions:
- Processing & Technology: Development of affordable, localized processing machinery.
- Empowerment: Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to expand market access.
- Research Collaboration: Deepening institutional ties between ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, and local bodies.
- Centre of Excellence: A proposal to establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence on Millets at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).
The two-day conference features interactive exhibition stalls showcasing agricultural innovations, indigenous seed diversity, and millet-based products, fostering direct dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and local farmers.
