District-Level Millet Day Observed with a Call to Include Millet on Every Plate

Kendujhar, 17th Nov 2025:  The District-level Millet Day 2025 was celebrated at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kendujhar. During the discussion sessions, special emphasis was placed on the role of women in preserving agricultural heritage and biodiversity.

The program was organized under the chairmanship of District Chief Agriculture Officer Satyaban Soren. Six farmers from Kendujhar were awarded for their excellence in millet cultivation.

Niku Sahu, Municipal Head, attended as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Kishore Sahu, R.R. TTES ADR; Pradeep Kumar Raut, Assistant Director, Department of Sculpture Conservation; Gobind Chandra Meher, Assistant Director, Horticulture; Laxmi Khaiya, District Social Welfare Program Officer; and Bishwajayi Mishra, Agriculture District Officer, along with other officials.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment, under the Shree Anna Abhiyan program, has been celebrating District-level Millet Day annually.

Discussions highlighted how more farmers in the district can cultivate millet and how this nutritious grain can be included in every household’s food plate.

The six awarded farmers were:

• Padmavati Mahant (Champua Block)
• Damayanti Palei (Harichandanpur Block)
• Premalata Mahant (Jhumpura Block)
• Lakshmipriya Prusti (Joda Block)
• Harshamani Khuntia (Telkoi Block)

1. Bhanumati Mahant (Kendujhar Sadar Block)
2. Additionally, Sanjulata Mahant from Sadar Block was honored as the best morning millet farmer.
3. Self-help groups from different blocks were also recognized:
4. Ma Samalei Self-Help Group, Jhumpura Block – Best Agricultural Machinery Center
5. Ma Saraswati Self-Help Group, Saharpada Block – Best Organic Fertilizer Production & Sales Center
6. Sankatmochan Self-Help Group, Champua Block – Best Millet Tiffin Center
7. Exhibitions were organized by voluntary organizations:
8. SG Foundation, Jhumpura Block – Millet crop exhibition stalls
9. India Voluntary Organization, Sadar Block – Exhibits of various traditional crop varieties demonstrating biodiversity
10. Other exhibits included millet farming machinery and millet-based food products.

The event was managed by Planning Officer Sumansti Tatai, and Narayan Panigrahi, District Project Manager of Shree Anna Abhiyan, extended thanks to all participants.