Bhubaneswar, November 11: Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo emphasized the state’s commitment to millet promotion at the ongoing International Millet Conference in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the conference, Singh Deo highlighted Odisha's dedicated efforts in advancing millet production, both regionally and nationally, noting that the state’s Millet Mission, launched last year, underscores its focus on sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
The two-day conference has brought together farmers, agricultural scientists, and Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs) to discuss millet’s role in future food systems.
Singh Deo praised the presence of key stakeholders, including Odisha’s Chief Minister and renowned figures such as Ramesh Chand from the Planning Commission, remarking on the significance of these discussions in propelling the millet mission and promoting healthy eating habits across Odisha.
Odisha’s Agriculture Secretary, Arabinda Padhee, also elaborated on the state’s agricultural achievements, particularly its impressive crop sector growth, surpassing the national average. Padhee pointed to initiatives like the Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management Program, which aims to improve soil health and resilience through crop rotation. “Our crop sector growth rate is double the national average, and livestock growth is 33 percent higher,” said NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand. Chand recommended a target of six percent agricultural growth for Odisha, as achieved by states like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, to further boost the state’s agri-sector potential.
