"Tribal Farmer Raimati Ghiuria, the 'Queen of Millets,' Takes Center Stage at G20 Summit"

In a remarkable achievement, tribal farmer Raimati Ghiuria from Odisha's Koraput district emerged as a prominent figure at the recent G20 Summit held in New Delhi on September 9, 2023. Invited to commemorate the 'International Year of Millets,' Raimati showcased her dedication to preserving 30 rare varieties of Indian millets, earning her the title of the 'Queen of Millets.'

Draped in an ethnic saree and adorned with flowers in her hair, Raimati captivated the attention of global delegates and even received praise from the President of India, Draupadi Murmu. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed pride in representing her small tribal village and discussing their contributions to millet conservation on an international platform.

Raimati, a pioneer in native seed conservation, has not only preserved 72 traditional paddy varieties but has also taken the lead in cultivating 30 varieties of millets, including the soon-to-be-released 'Kundra bati mandia.' Her scientific approach to millet farming on her four-acre farmland has garnered recognition and support from organizations like the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), enabling her to adopt modern farming techniques.

Inspired by the teachings of Padma Shri Kamala Pujari, Raimati has overcome challenges, balancing household chores with her passion for farming. Through MSSRF, she has trained 2,500 farmers in her block, spreading knowledge about millet cultivation techniques.

Millet, a staple in Raimati's daily meals, has not only transformed her life but also led her to establish a self-help group and farmer producer companies. She produces value-added millet products such as pakoras and laddus, contributing to the local market and tiffin centers in the Kundra block.

Raimati's dedication to millet farming has not gone unnoticed, as she was recently honored with the title of 'Millet Queen' at the state level. Her numerous awards, including the Best Farmer Award by ICAR – IISWC in 2016 and the Best Farmer Award in the Traditional Food Festival by TATA Steel in 2018, reflect the impact of her work in the field.

As Raimati continues to inspire and lead by example, she remains committed to conserving more millet varieties and making her state proud on a global scale.

Reference:

milletadvisor.com

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