2-Day International Convention on Millets (ICM) Inaugurated in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a two-day International Convention on Millets (ICM) at Janta Maidan in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

It is the first of its kind international millet convention in the country.  The theme of this international convention is “Millets – Ancient Grains for Modern Challenges.”

As per the State government statement, the ICM will put a special focus on the tribal heritage of millets and showcase success stories of millet entrepreneurship of Mission Shakti groups.

This convention includes farmer engagement activities, a display of emerging technologies and farm machinery, experience centres, technical sessions, policy roundtables, B2B meetings, an international food festival, Quiz competitions, cooking competitions etc.

Addressing the inaugural session of the convention, CM Naveen Patnaik said, “Millets are traditional grains, climate resilient and a powerhouse of nutrition. Millets can play an important role in achieving nutritional security. United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year for Millets. Odisha is the first State to organise such an international convention involving all the stakeholders.”

“We launched the millet mission in Odisha in 2017. To encourage millet production, we have increased direct benefit transfer to the farmers and laid out assured procurement of millet. Odisha government is investing Rs 2500 crore for providing income and livelihood support to farmers,” he said.

Hailing the efforts of SHGs in the success of the millet mission, the CM said, “Women SHGs have shown the world how millet-based enterprises can play an important role in appealing the taste buds of the consumers and improving the livelihood as well.”