Bhubaneswar: The role of women SHGs in promoting millet production and marketing was stressed at the International Millets Convention-2023 in Bhubaneswar.
On the second day of the Convention, the Department of Mission Shakti organised a panel discussion on the promotion and significance of millets in sustainable agriculture and women’s empowerment.
Addressing the audience, Basanti Hembram, Minister of Women & Child Development and Mission Shakti spoke on the critical role that women’s self-help groups play in the state’s development and their significance in promoting millet cultivation.
Several dignitaries also spoke on the women’s achievements in millet-based enterprises. Sujata R Karthikeyan, Secretary, Mission Shakti, delivered welcome address.
By empowering women to become active participants in the millet value chain through Millet Shakti Cafes, Outlets, Tiffin Centers, Millet on Wheels and more, Mission Shakti SHGs have not only enhanced economic opportunities but also contributed to furthering the cause of food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable agriculture in Odisha, making it a model for promoting millet enterprises across the region, they said.
A Coffee Table Book titled “Farm to Plate” encapsulating the inspiring stories of women who have played a pivotal role in the millet value chain was released on the occasion. Besides, 30 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), who have excelled in promoting millet-based entrepreneurship, were felicitated.
Bruce Poh, Senior Advisor, World Skill Singapore Council & CEO, ITE Education Servicer Pvt Ltd; Sharmila Oswal, Director of the Centre of Excellence Millets Pahle India; Alka Mishra, Chairperson of World Skill Centre; Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Director of Agriculture & Food Production; Prema Das, president of Divyajyoti SHG in Sundargarh; Raimati Ghiuria, Director of Bamandei FPO in Koraput and more than 1500 Mission Shakti SHG members were present.
