Millet Divas – 2025
Proceedings of the celebration of ‘MILLET DIVAS’ observed on 10th November, 2025 in the School of Agriculture, GIET University, Gunupur, Rayagada
The Millet Divas was observed on 10th November, 2025 in the School of Agriculture, GIET University, Gunupur in Smart Classroom with the active participation of students, staff members and faculties. The inaugural session was graced by Prof. (Dr.) V.S. Devadas, Dean I/C, Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mohanty, Dept. of PBG and Dr. Aatish Kumar Sahu, Associate Professor, Dept. of Agri. Statistics. Dr. Golmei Langangmeilu hosted the event and highlighted the importance of millet and how the Millet Divas or Mandia Divas observation started on 10th November, 2022.
Prof. (Dr.) V.S. Devadas, Dean I/C, gave a welcome speech. Sir highlighted the importance and nutritional value of millets. Sir also emphasised the need for their inclusion in our daily diet. He mentioned why it is called a superfood and the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to promote their global recognition. The Government of India launched the National Millet Mission, and similarly, the Government of Odisha has been actively encouraging farmers to adopt millet cultivation for better health and income generation.
Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mohanty elaborated on the different types of millets, classifying them as major millets—Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi—and minor millets—Proso, Kodo, Little, Foxtail, and Barnyard millets. He mentioned that Bajra, Ragi, and Little millets are currently being cultivated in Instructional Farm-II. Sir further emphasised that farmers should increase the area under millet cultivation to enhance consumption and awareness among citizens. Sir also discussed how the millet cultivation and its importance started in Odisha before other states started. Odisha Millet Mission started in 2017 and Millet Divas started under this. He also highlighted that millets are climate-resilient crops, capable of maturing within 90–100 days, thriving during the rainy season, and withstanding drought conditions, making them ideal for sustainable agriculture
As part of the Millets Divas celebration, 2nd year students delivered informative and inspiring speeches highlighting the importance of millets in sustainable food systems and nutrition. Prasant Kumar Das spoke on the nutritional value and health benefits of millets. He mentioned that millets are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, good fats, and high-quality proteins, making them an ideal component of a balanced and healthy diet. Gupteshwar Mohanty shared the success story of Smt. Vijaya Laxmi Narayan, an inspiring woman farmer from Odisha, achieved remarkable success through millet cultivation, setting an example for rural women and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship. B. Yougita, Pragyan Paramita Pradhan, and Amit Kumar Padhi shared their hands-on experience in preparing millet-based food items such as Millet Chikki and Ragi Appam Bada. Their presentation emphasised the versatility of millets in creating nutritious, tasty recipes suitable for daily consumption.
Dr. Golmei Langangmeilu proposed a vote of thanks to all concerned dignitaries and participants.
This was followed by a visit to the Instructional Farm-II for a demonstration of millet cultivation to students and faculties.
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