Millet Shakti- How Women SHGs Lead the Millet Movement in Odisha

Odisha has emerged as a pioneer in promoting millets and empowering women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to play a crucial role in the millet value chain. Through the Odisha Millets Mission (OMM), led jointly by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and the Department of Mission Shakti, the state aims to mainstream millet-based food in both rural and urban areas. This initiative not only empowers women entrepreneurs but also promotes healthier lifestyles by encouraging the consumption of millet.

The recent inauguration of the Millet Shakti Café at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar's Khorda district by Chief Minister Naveen Pattanaik marks a significant step in this direction. The café showcases diverse and locally acceptable millet recipes, enticing customers with delicious millet-based snacks, desserts, beverages, and whole meals. By involving women from marginalized backgrounds, the initiative has provided them with a platform to exhibit their entrepreneurial skills and achieve economic independence.

The OMM's approach emphasizes skill-building and gender equity, training women SHGs in recipe formulation, packaging, quality control, and marketing. The Mission Shakti Department has been instrumental in mobilizing and capacitating these women for millet processing and value addition. Therefore, millet consumption has gained momentum, fostering healthy eating habits and contributing to nutritional security in the state.

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The success of the OMM model has instilled confidence in women SHGs, empowering them to overcome poverty and malnutrition. With plans to expand the program, the Odisha government seeks to offer more women the opportunity to achieve financial independence and raise awareness about millet's nutritional benefits.

Through these efforts, Odisha strives to create a sustainable ecosystem that upholds the rich heritage of Aadi Anna and inspires people to embrace the goodness of millets in their daily diets.

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Conclusion

The Odisha Millets Mission has emerged as a transformative initiative, promoting both women's empowerment and the adoption of millets for healthier diets. By involving women entrepreneurs and fostering a sustainable ecosystem, Odisha is embracing its rich millet heritage and paving the way for a nutritionally secure and economically empowered future. As this mission expands, it holds the potential to create a lasting impact, benefiting communities and promoting the wider acceptance of millets as a valuable food source.

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