Malkangiri, 8th Nov 2025: Millet Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Malkangiri under the joint initiative of the District Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, the Shree Ann Abhiyan (Millet Mission), and the District Administration. The main objective of the event was to raise awareness about the importance of millets and other nutritious grains in nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and rural livelihoods.
The event was inaugurated by Smt. Samari Tangulu, Chairperson of the Zilla Parishad; Somnath Pradhan, Additional District Magistrate (General); and Bedabar Pradhan, Additional District Magistrate (Revenue).
Speaking on the occasion, Siddharth Kar, Scientist from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agricultural Science Centre), and Mahesh Padhi, Chief District Agriculture Officer, described millets as nutrient-rich and environmentally sustainable crops. They explained in detail how improved cultivation techniques and scientific methods could increase millet productivity.
The Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) urged farmers to participate in advanced training programs and awareness drives on improved farming practices.
Officials from Mission Shakti, WASSAN, private organizations involved in the Shree Ann Abhiyan, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and many *farmers—both men and women—*participated in the event, making it a grand success.
This year’s Millet Day celebration focused on women’s participation in preserving agricultural heritage and biodiversity. Exhibitions of millet-based products, seed displays, and tasting sessions of nutritious millet foods such as ragi laddus, biscuits, and millet beverages were organized.
At the conclusion of the program, progressive farmers and women group members were felicitated for their contributions. Among the awardees were:
Tula Dalai from Chitrakonda Block,
Sabitri from Korukonda Block,
Savita Chapadi from Khairput Block,
Bhanumati Pangi from Malkangiri Block, and
Bhanumati Pangi from Mathili Block,
who were honored as Best Millet Farmers.
In addition, Basanta Khola was awarded Best Conserving Farmer, Samari Nayak as Best Women Millet Entrepreneur, and Paribartan NGO (Mathili), the Chashi Bhai Producer Organization, and Ma Biraja Women Self-Help Group received awards for excellence in millet promotion.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Chief District Agriculture Officer, who appreciated the active participation of all attendees. Participants collectively pledged to promote millet cultivation and consumption through the ongoing Shree Ann Abhiyan, reaffirming their commitment to a nutritious and sustainable agricultural future.
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