Odisha, the first state in the country to observe Mandia Day (Millet Day), is preparing for a major two-day event on November 10 and 11 to promote millet cultivation and consumption.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced on Friday that Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will attend the celebration, highlighting the national recognition of the state's efforts.
Odisha is a pioneer in millet promotion, having launched the 'Odisha Millet Mission' in 2017 to revive the staple grain in tribal areas and boost farmers' livelihoods. The program has received national and international acclaim, with the Central Government urging other states to adopt its successful model.
The festival aims to further integrate Mandia (Ragi/Finger Millet), now an agricultural 'mascot' of the state, into the daily diet and explore its potential in the world market. Millet Shakti outlets are being opened across the state to facilitate this goal, coinciding with the UN-declared International Year of Millets (2023).