Rituparnna Kar BY DIBYAJIT SAHU
In a groundbreaking initiative, Odisha, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, successfully organized the inaugural International Millet Summit on November 9-10, 2023, at Janta Maidan, Bhubaneswar. Themed “Millets: Ancient Grains for Modern Challenges,” the summit convened a diverse assembly of policymakers, global experts, farmers, and businesses to engage in meaningful discussions regarding the pivotal role of millets in guaranteeing food security, advancing nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The man behind this stellar show is Dr Arabinda Padhee. In the agricultural landscape of Odisha, Mr Padhee has emerged as a catalyst for change, steering the state towards a nutritional renaissance through the Odisha Millets Mission (OMM). Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment, stands at the forefront of this transformative journey, where the cultivation and consumption of millets have become synonymous with resilience, health, and economic empowerment. As explained by Israelmore Ayivor, “A leader is someone who creates better ways of doing things and better ways are new and comfortable ways.” Dr. Padhee’s strategic leadership has been instrumental in conceptualizing and implementing OMM, a flagship initiative aimed at revitalizing millets in the fields and on the plates of Odisha. His impassioned plea to all Government Departments to embrace millet-based snacks in official meetings reflects not only a commitment to nutrition but also a profound understanding of the economic opportunities embedded in this ancient grain. His efforts have been instrumental in changing how millets are viewed in Odisha, from a commodity to be traded away to a source of nutrition and economic potential. His unwavering commitment to the initiative has been an inspiration to others and a testament to the power of strategic leadership. Under Dr. Padhee’s guidance, OMM has transcended regional boundaries, gaining accolades nationally and globally as a pioneering model for millet promotion. His astute recognition of millets as climate-resilient and nutrition-rich cereals has positioned Odisha as a torchbearer in the international millets movement. With 2023 declared as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations, Dr. Padhee’s foresight aligns perfectly with global initiatives towards sustainable and nutritious diets. The intersection of agriculture, nutrition, and empowerment takes centrestage in Dr. Padhee’s approach. Through Mission Shakti, he has championed the role of Women Self- Help Groups (SHGs) in the millets revolution. Millet Shakti outlets, a brainchild of this collaboration, stand not just as points of sale but as symbols of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.
A notable feather in Dr. Padhee’s cap is the incorporation of millet-based snacks in official meetings, not just as a symbolic gesture but as a pragmatic economic opportunity for the Mission Shakti WSHGs. This dual impact, both nutritional and economic, reflects his holistic approach to development, where every initiative becomes a step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. The collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) further underscores Dr. Padhee’s commitment to cutting-edge agricultural research. The concept of “Smart Food” encapsulates his vision—crops that are beneficial for consumers, farmers, and the planet. His emphasis on introducing dryland crops like finger and pearl millet and sorghum into Indian diets showcases not only nutritional acumen but also an awareness of the ecological footprint of our food choices. Beyond the borders of Odisha, Dr. Padhee’s influence extends, linking arms with other states like Tamil Nadu that seek to replicate the Odisha model. His willingness to share experiences and collaborate signifies a broader vision—transforming millets from a regional success story to a national movement. In crafting a narrative that extends beyond agriculture, Dr. Padhee underscores the linkage between agriculture and India’s Nutrition Mission. His insights on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) through the convergence of education, health, agriculture, and nutrition highlight a nuanced understanding of the interconnected challenges and opportunities. As the architect of the Odisha Millets Mission, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee’s role goes beyond administrative responsibilities. He emerges as a harbinger of change, a leader with a deep understanding of the intricate connections between food, health, and the environment. In propelling millets to the forefront of the nutrition revolution, Dr. Padhee stands as a symbol of visionary leadership, where agricultural practices become a cornerstone for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.
