Interview Times 
Bhubaneswar, November 9- 10, 2023: In a pioneering move, Odisha, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, proudly hosted the first-ever International Millet Summit on November 9-10, 2023, at Janta Maidan, Bhubaneswar. With the theme “Millets: Ancient Grains for Modern Challenges,” the summit brought together a diverse congregation of policymakers, global experts, farmers, and businesses to deliberate on the crucial role of millets in ensuring food security, promoting nutrition, and fostering sustainable agriculture.
Milestones Achieved: Bhubaneswar Declaration and Odisha Millet Mission
The summit marked a historic turning point with the adoption of the ‘Bhubaneswar Declaration.’ This landmark resolution emphasizes the imperative for increased investment in millet research and development, promotion of millet-based cropping systems, and the development of markets for millet products. Furthermore, the summit witnessed the launch of the ‘Odisha Millet Mission,’ a dedicated state-level initiative aimed at propelling millet cultivation and consumption.
Global Collaborations and Memoranda of Understanding
In a bid to strengthen the global millet network, the summit saw the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with international organizations. These agreements focus on collaborative efforts in millet research, development, and promotion, marking a crucial step towards creating a shared platform for addressing challenges and exploring opportunities in the millet sector.
The Vision Unveiled
The two-day event unfolded at Janta Maidan, Bhubaneswar, encompassing round table meetings, B2B sessions, food festivals, millet quizzes, and cooking competitions. A dedicated platform showcased success stories of women self-help groups and millet entrepreneurs under ‘Mission Shakti.’ Additionally, the summit featured a musical program addressing climate change and millets.
The Millet Mission’s Resounding Success
Under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s guidance since 2017, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment has propelled the Millet Mission, combining scientific methods with traditional techniques. This initiative has expanded millet cultivation across 177 blocks in 30 districts of Odisha, steadily climbing the ladder of success.
Financial Commitment for Future Growth
To ensure the success of the Millet Mission, the Odisha government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 2687 crore 45 lakh for the next four years (2023-24 to 2026-27), underscoring its commitment to the cause.
Looking Ahead: A Global Millet Revolution
The International Millet Summit in Bhubaneswar is not merely a local success story but a pivotal moment in the global promotion of millets. The summit’s outcomes are anticipated to resonate positively, influencing food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture on a global scale.
As the summit draws to a close, the visionaries, stakeholders, and participants depart with a shared commitment to propel millets from ancient grains to modern solutions, marking Odisha’s significant contribution to the global millet revolution.
