G20 Summit: Two Tribal Women from Odisha to Promote Millet Cultivation At Mega Event in Delhi – News18

A proud moment for Odisha as two tribal women from Koraput and Mayurbhanj districts are all set to represent India at the G20 summit scheduled to be held in Delhi on September 9-10. Subasa Mohanata and Raimati Ghiuria will promote traditional millet cultivation at the two-day mega event which is to be attended by world leaders.

Odisha Millet Mission has chosen the duo to attend the summit and keep their statements on millet cultivation by tribal communities. The two tribal women farmers will elaborate on the benefits and high nutritious values of the grains before the world leaders and delegates attending the G20 summit.

Raimati, who is a resident of Nuaguda village under Kundura block in Koraput district, has preserved 124 varieties of millets. The MS Swaminathan Research Centre in Jeypore has trained her to attend the world-class summit. She has preserved nearly 72 varieties of indigenous paddy, and six varieties of millets and proved herself as a successful woman farmer. She has created her identity by carrying forward traditional paddy and millet farming in the district. She has been felicitated several times for her contribution to traditional farming.

She said, “I am very happy to attend the G20 summit. I will share all about the millet farming and its benefit. As a tribal women, I will also share something about tribals farming in the G20 summit.”

Meanwhile, Koraput Central University’s Assistant Professor Dr Debabrata Panda said, “It is a matter of pride for us. The soil of Koraput is good for millets farming. As tribal woman, Raimati’s efforts to make identification to millet worldwide has set an example for all.”

Similarly, Subasa, who is a resident of Goili village under Jashipur block of Mayurbhanj district, will share her experience on the success of the Odisha Millet Mission. While farmers were not interested for millet farming, Subasa cultivated millet in 2018. With the support of the state government, she involved in the Millet Mission scheme, became a successful farmer, and created her own identity in the district and inspired other women. She has already been awarded at state and national level.

Subasa said, “Millet is very beneficial for health. It works as a preventive against various diseases. I thank the state government and Centre for giving me this opportunity.”