In a recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, the conversation gravitated towards promoting millet consumption, shining a spotlight on Odisha’s culinary heritage. PM Modi, advocating for healthier dietary choices, emphasized the resurgence of millets as a nutritious alternative.
“I celebrated 2023 as the Millet Year with the UN. Millets have great benefits as they grow on barren land, need minimal water, and do not require any fertilizer. It is a superfood,” PM Modi remarked, highlighting the significance of millets in fostering sustainable agriculture.
Gates, reflecting on his visit to Odisha, shared his surprise at the long-standing popularity of millets in the state. “When I went to Odisha, I came to know that millet was a very popular food there a long time ago and now it is coming back in the market with the joint efforts of the government,” he stated, acknowledging Odisha’s efforts in revitalizing traditional dietary practices.
PM Modi further lauded Odisha’s initiatives to promote millets, noting the increasing availability of millet-based products in the market, even in upscale establishments. “When you go to a five-star hotel here, you will find another menu for millet foods,” he remarked proudly, showcasing the state’s culinary diversity.
The conversation also touched upon Odisha’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. PM Modi showcased a jacket made from recycled materials, symbolizing India’s dedication to environmental stewardship. Additionally, he highlighted the state’s strides in empowering women through initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi program, aimed at fostering economic independence in rural areas.
**Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik**: Architect of Odisha’s Millet Revolution
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Shri Naveen Patnaik, has been the driving force behind the state’s millet revolution and sustainable agriculture initiatives. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the well-being of Odisha’s citizens have propelled the resurgence of traditional dietary practices and indigenous crops like millets.
Under Odisha CM Shri Naveen Patnaik’s stewardship, Odisha has implemented various groundbreaking initiatives to promote millets and sustainable agriculture. From policy reforms to on-the-ground interventions, his administration has prioritized the revitalization of traditional diets and the promotion of environmentally friendly farming practices.
Odisha CM Shri Naveen Patnaik’s proactive approach to health, sustainability, and culinary heritage has not only improved nutrition and food security but has also empowered local farmers and rural communities. His vision for a healthier, more prosperous Odisha resonates deeply with the state’s residents and has earned him widespread admiration and respect.
The central government’s recognition of Odisha’s efforts to promote millets as healthy, sustainable crops underscores Odisha CM Shri Naveen Patnaik’s visionary leadership and the state’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development. As Odisha continues to lead the way in promoting traditional diets and environmentally friendly agriculture, CM Shri Naveen Patnaik’s legacy as a champion of health, sustainability, and culinary heritage will endure for generations to come.
Prasanta Patnaik