Millets,
often referred to as "nutri-cereals," play a crucial role in
enhancing nutrition and empowering women. Rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and
essential minerals, millets help combat malnutrition, particularly among women
and children, thereby improving maternal and child health.
Millet
was once a major cultivated crop in Keonjhar district, it thrived due to the
region’s favorable land and climate conditions. However, over the years, its
cultivation was declined and eventually ceased, leading to the loss of
traditional millet-based recipes. The disappearance of this nutritious grain
from local diets has contributed to the growing malnutrition in Odisha’s tribal
belt. In 2018, PECUC initiated the project “Seed–Food Sovereignty for
Adivasi Communities of Odisha” to revive millet cultivation. Farmers were
trained in organic practices, and under this initiative, farmers from
Badjamuposi GP in Ghatagaon block began cultivating millets again. By the end
of the project, 626 farmers had resumed millet cultivation after a gap of 25
years. This remarkable revival of millet farming and its impact on food
security and nutrition was recognized and featured in The Indian Express on
September 22, 2020.
PECUC’s
efforts did not stop at reviving millet cultivation; it also took significant
steps to restore traditional millet-based recipes that had nearly been
forgotten. Nutritious dishes such as millet laddoo, millet kheer, millet pitha,
and millet chhatua were reintroduced to the community. To promote these
recipes, local food melas were organized, encouraging people to rediscover and
incorporate millet into their diets.
At
the state level, PECUC hosted the Gilirifula Forest Food Festival, where
millet-based dishes were served to visitors, further popularizing this super food.
The journey of millet revival continued beyond these events and was highlighted
in district and state-level workshops on “Nutritional Self-Dependency.” These
workshops brought together government stakeholders, representatives from
various departments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media personnel,
ensuring broader advocacy for millet’s role in nutrition.
During
this period, the Government of Odisha had also launched the Millet Mission in
2017, aiming to promote millet cultivation and consumption. In 2020, millet was
successfully incorporated into the supplementary nutrition program for children
at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) in Keonjhar, marking a significant milestone in the
efforts to reintroduce millet into mainstream diets. This achievement stands as
a testament to the collaborative efforts in reviving, promoting, and
mainstreaming millet in Odisha’s food system.
The
journey of millet revival continued as PECUC took a significant step towards
empowering women farmers by involving them in millet cultivation. A
total of 99 women farmers were identified based on their interest and
willingness to participate. They received training in millet cultivation and
organic farming practices and were provided with local millet seeds to begin
their journey.
This
initiative proved to be highly successful. With an initial supply of 792 kg of
millet seeds, the women farmers produced an impressive 4,150 kg of
millet—nearly five times the quantity of seed provided. After setting aside
millet for seeds and household consumption, they were able to sell
approximately 1,560 kg in local markets, generating additional income for their
families.
Beyond
economic benefits, this initiative fostered a sense of financial independence,
enhanced their role in household decision-making, and improved their family’s
nutrition by adding an essential, nutrient-rich grain to their daily diet. By
promoting millet-based livelihoods, women farmers are not only achieving financial
stability but also contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture,
creating a positive ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.
This
efforts of PECUC best expressed in the testament of Mamata Mahanta, a determined woman farmer from
Janheiposi village in Chakundapal GP, Patna block of Keonjhar. With her husband
unable to do hard labor due to kidney issues, the entire responsibility of
managing the household has fallen on her. Farming is her primary livelihood,
and she grows paddy and vegetables to support her family. Despite his health
challenges, her husband helps with farm work whenever possible. Mamata’s life
took a positive turn when she met the PECUC team. They introduced her to millet
cultivation, which immediately caught her interest. Recognizing its potential
to improve both her family’s nutrition and income, she enthusiastically joined
PECUC’s farmer training sessions. There, she learned about millet cultivation
techniques and organic farming practices. This training opened new doors for
her, offering her the chance to grow a highly nutritious crop that could
benefit her family. In her own word Mamata says “With the support of PECUC,
I started millet farming on one acre of land, using just 5 kg of seeds and
organic methods. Learning to prepare organic manure strengthened my farming
skills, and my efforts paid off with a harvest of 80 kg of millet. I have saved
seeds for the next season and incorporated millet into my family’s daily diet,
improving our nutrition. Seeing the benefits, I am determined to expand millet
cultivation, ensuring both better health and financial stability for my family
while continuing sustainable farming practices."
PECUC
firmly believes that empowering women is key to building a sustainable future.
When a woman is empowered, the first thing she does is strengthen her family
and educate her children. She gains decision-making power, not only within her
home but also in society. Her economic independence becomes a stepping stone
toward social and political empowerment, giving her the confidence to shape her
own destiny.
Yet,
the path from dependency to self-reliance is never easy. A woman must
constantly balance her household responsibilities with her financial pursuits—one
cannot be sacrificed for the other. She does not have the privilege of choice
in this regard; instead, she must empower herself by mastering this delicate
balance.
PECUC
recognizes that this journey is filled with challenges, but it is far from
impossible. Across its operational areas, countless women have defied the odds
and emerged stronger, proving that change is within reach. Mainstreaming
women’s empowerment is a long-term process, and PECUC remains steadfast in its
commitment to standing beside them, ensuring that every woman has the support
she needs to rise, thrive, and lead.
Dr. Sumitra Mohanty,
Coordinator, Research, Documentation & Communication
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