With the backdrop of climate change and malnutrition becoming pressing issues, Odisha is making significant strides toward promoting millets as staple foods, creating pathways to nutritional security for its people. The emphasis on millets not only addresses health concerns but also reinforces sustainable agricultural practices.
On November 10, the government of Odisha celebrated Mandia Diwas during its Millets Day program, complete with the Sri Anna Abhiyan and the Forgotten Foods Conference. The spotlight at the event was on the nutritional and environmental advantages of millets, underscoring their potential to revolutionize dietary habits.
One key voice at the forefront of this movement is Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, renowned scientist and global health leader. Speaking at the conference, she noted the dietary evolution of Indian culture has led to fewer crops dominating the agriculture scene, primarily rice, wheat, and maize. While these crops have provided food security, they come at the cost of dietary diversity. According to Dr. Swaminathan, "Food security has been achieved, but nutritional security is still lacking, as many people remain deficient in micronutrients and proteins." She went on to elaborate on the rich nutrient profile of millets, asserting, "Millets are very suitable for India as they need less water and fertilizer than rice, making them more sustainable in a water-scarce future."
Millets like ragi are packed with nutritional benefits. They offer high levels of fiber and protein, and are considered gluten-free, making them excellent alternatives to the carbohydrate-heavy rice diet predominant in Odisha. Dr. Swaminathan highlighted, "Ragi contains 7-9% protein, and retains more nutrients compared to polished rice, which loses its vitamins during processing." This blend of nutritional power packed within millets allows them to play a significant role in combating malnutrition, particularly prevalent among children and women.
But it’s not just the science behind millets being showcased. Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stressed the cultural significance and economic potential of millets at the International Symposium on Shree Anna and Forgotten Foods. He proclaimed, "We need to promote these nutrient-dense crops as part of our daily diets and for sustainable agriculture." He emphasized the government's commitment to scaling up millet production by allocating Rs. 649 crore to support farmers and raise awareness about the benefits of these grains.
With millet cultivation already flourishing, particularly through women-led initiatives, the CM highlighted inspiring examples of local farmers like Raimati Ghuria and Subhasa Mahant, who have showcased how mandia cultivation can uplift families economically. Their success was celebrated at the G-20 summit, where they were named brand ambassadors for millet cultivation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Majhi remarked, "These women are not just leading by example; they're transforming livelihoods and encouraging others to follow suit."
The engagement with millets doesn't stop at cultivation. The government is encouraging the incorporation of millets within traditional diets, supporting local culinary innovations to inspire home cooks. The hope is to ingeniously weave millets back onto plates across Odisha, moving away from heavily processed food, which has infiltrated dietary patterns.
Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo echoed this commitment by focusing on facilitating the efforts of tribal communities, who traditionally cultivate nutrient-rich crops. He acknowledged their potential for leading the way with more sustainable and nutritious options and the influence they can have on the region's dietary habits. He pointed out, "People living in tribal areas are producing and consuming traditional, often forgotten crops, which are more nutritious and rich compared to regular food varieties."
Dr. Swaminathan remarked on the unique diversity of food preferences within Odisha, as seen at the famed Chappan Bhog offered at the Shree Jagannath temple. This cultural signature could serve as part of the catalyst to rekindle interest in traditional foods, thereby enhancing the popularity of millets as nutritious crops. She reiterated the role of women as pillars of agricultural sustainability, affirming their importance not just for cultivation but for the continued promotion of these crops.
The backdrop of this initiative is significant, considering how the global agricultural narrative has shifted from merely increasing yields to focusing on nutrition. NITI Aayog member, Prof. Ramesh Chand, highlighted the environmental aspect as well, noting, "The Green Revolution brought about significant changes, and now the focus is shifting toward organic farming and nutrition." He believes Odisha stands to benefit tremendously from promoting the cultivation of minor millets, thereby addressing both environmental concerns and health issues.
With these ambitious projects underway, Odisha is set to assert itself as India's millet hub. The state government aims not just to improve agricultural sustainability but to transform nutritional habits and promote health across communities. By advocating the inclusion of millets as staples and providing support to farmers through initiatives like the Minimum Support Price (MSP)—now over Rs. 4,000 for ragi—the momentum to make millets a household name is truly gaining pace.
Dr. Swaminathan's vision for Odisha captures the essence of this harmony between agriculture and nutrition. Through the revival of millets, there's hope for not just improved health outcomes but also for revitalizing local economies and fostering cultural heritage around food.
With the right support and commitment, Odisha is increasingly becoming not just a model for millet cultivation but also for holistic approaches to food security and health. The blend of innovation, tradition, and focused agricultural policies paints a hopeful picture for the future of nutrition and sustainability.
