At Bhubaneswar’s Janta Maidan, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik formally inaugurated the two-day International Convention on Millets (ICM) 2023 today. Senior administrators and representatives from both domestic and international organisations attended the event. Moreover, the event was attended by Chef Vikas Khanna and Music Composer Ricky Kej.
International Convention On Millets In Bhubaneshwar
The theme of the first-of-its-kind International Convention is “Millets – Ancient Grains for Modern Challenges” and it will feature farmer engagement activities, emerging technologies in the sphere of millets, technical sessions, B2B meetings, food festivals and more. pic.twitter.com/ikzvmzH0vh
— International Year Of Millets 2023 (@IYM2023) November 9, 2023
With “Millets – Ancient Grains for Modern Challenges” as its theme, the ICM offers a plethora of opportunities for farmer engagement, including experience centres, policy roundtables, technical sessions, international food festivals, quiz competitions, cooking competitions, and much more. According to a release from the State government, the ICM would highlight the Mission Shakti groups’ successful millet business and highlight the tribal heritage of millets.
The ICM aims to showcase Odisha’s tribal culture and legacy while reviewing the plans and efforts of various stakeholders in order to create a roadmap that is appropriate for millets going forward. It will also discuss potential investments and changes to policies about the millet ecosystem.
Dy. Country Director, @WFP, Ms. Nozomi Hashimoto, Director, @RiceIcar, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, @FAO Representative in India, Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, 3X Grammy® Award Winner Shri @rickykej, Celebrity Chef Shri. @TheVikasKhanna and other dignitaries also graced the occasion. pic.twitter.com/M2IvvnKCx2
— କୃଷି ବିଭାଗ, ଓଡ଼ିଶା (@krushibibhag) November 9, 2023
You CANNOT take pulse out of Music.
And you CANNOT take pulse out of food. @PassPass_Pulse
With the genius @rickykej pic.twitter.com/cBQtLkQdKy— Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) November 9, 2023
In addition to this, Chef Vikas Khanna and Ricky Kej, a Grammy Award winner, joined the event as brand ambassadors. We are aware of Vikas Khanna’s extraordinary culinary skills while Ricky Kej is a three-time winner for the Grammy Award!
Thrilled to perform a concert at the International Convention on Millets in Bhubaneswar on Nov. 9 (Thursday) at 6pm at Janata Maidan. Be there!! This epic event will feature many activities, including Policy Round Tables, Engaging Sessions for Farmers, Technical Sessions,… pic.twitter.com/hCBJcK0mCv
— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) November 8, 2023
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The musician posted on X about his live music performance at the event. He appealed to everyone to attend the event and stated that he is excited to play a concert at the International Convention on Millets on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. There will be a tonne of events at this incredible event, like policy round tables, business and technical sessions, engaging sessions for farmers, art, and a millet food festival. Both of them were photographed on the stage conducting the ceremonial ritual.
The Chief Minister Addressed The Event
During the inaugural session of ICM, dignitaries launched a series of publications like the Coffee Table Book on Millets by WFP, the Foundation Guide on Millets by APAARI, and FDC by India Post. A felicitation ceremony was also held for agri-champions of the state. pic.twitter.com/JDoYUibebQ
— International Year Of Millets 2023 (@IYM2023) November 9, 2023
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stated that his government would work tirelessly to establish Odisha as a hub for excellence and to improve the state’s economy, well-being, and population health. He greeted the visitors from both domestic and foreign countries, stating that millets are a staple grain that is resistant to climate change and a nutritional powerhouse. In order to achieve nutritional security, millet can be quite crucial. A glimmer of promise for the future is sprouting in humble millets.
Declaring 2023 to be the International Year of Millets, he emphasised that Odisha is the first state to host an international convention involving all relevant parties, as recognised by the UN. Speaking specifically on state efforts, he stated that the welfare of all societal segments was always given priority by the Odisha government. Intending to bring millets back to life, he started the Odisha Millets Mission in 2017. For them, promoting millet is about fairness and justice for Odisha’s rain-fed farmers.
He continued by stating that they have established guaranteed ragi procurement and raised the direct benefit incentives for millet in order to promote its cultivation.
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The state government is spending more than ₹2500 crore to help farmers with their income and means of subsistence.
Cover Image Courtesy: International Year Of Millets 2023/ X (Formerly, Twitter) & Vikas Khanna/ X (Formerly, Twitter)
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