Germany’s Goethe University To Join Hands With Utkal University In Odisha To Promote Millets

Bhubaneswar: Goethe University of Germany will join hands with Utkal University to boost the production of nutrient-rich millets.

With least water consumption, low carbon footprint and the fact that it can be grown even in drought conditions, millets are referred to as climate-friendly crops, said Prof Roland Hardenberg of Fresenius Institute at Goethe University at an event in Odisha’s capital on Monday.

Delivering a lecture on ‘Food Sovereignty, Food Security and Religion in Odisha and Beyond’ organised by Utkal University, Prof Roland said his research on tribals of Koraput and Rayagada and their food pattern prompted him to improve nutrition at the household level through the revival of millets in farms and on plates of tribal communities in Odisha.

Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Prof Sabita Acharya said efforts to collaborate with foreign universities and bringing their professors here will benefit research scholars and faculty members of Odisha.

While the Vice-Chancellor introduced Prof Roland, Prof Sanjay Kumar Sarangi coordinated the programme. Vote of thanks was given by Dr Chinmay Pradhan.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government on Monday also celebrated ‘Millets Divas’. Recently, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the celebration of ‘Millets Divas’ on the first Thursday of the Hindu month of ‘Margasira’ (November). The primary aim of celebrating the day is to promote ‘mandia’ or millets as a highly nutritive and eco-friendly food.