Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: Odisha's commitment to promoting millets on Monday took centre stage at the ongoing International Millet Conference, with Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo highlighting the state's leadership in the initiative.

Speaking to ANI, Deo emphasised efforts made by the Odisha government in millet promotion, noting that the state launched the Millet Mission last year and is now hosting a two-day international conference.

"The International Millet Mission seminar is underway...Prime Minister Modi has been advocating the promotion of millet across the country. Odisha was the frontrunner last year, starting the Millet Mission, and this year we are hosting the International Millet Conference over two days," he said.

The conference has brought together farmers, agricultural experts, scientists, and farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) to discuss the future of millet production and consumption.

Deo also pointed to the active participation of Odisha's Chief Minister, government officers, and prominent figures such as Ramesh Chand from the Planning Commission and MS Swaminathan. He said that the discussions will play a crucial role in advancing the millet mission and promoting healthy eating practices across the state.

Meanwhile, Odisha's Agriculture Secretary, Arabinda Padhee, discussed the growth of the state's agricultural sector, particularly its higher-than-average crop growth.

"Professor Ramesh Chand informed the House that the growth percentage of Odisha's crop sector is higher than the national average. However, we also have huge potential in the fisheries and animal resources sectors," Padhee said.

He also outlined plans to boost these sectors, adding, "We have huge potential to reach growth levels in these areas." Padhee highlighted the Comprehensive Rice Fallow Management Program, which utilises soil moisture to grow pulses and seed crops, benefiting soil health, climate resilience, and nutritional outcomes.

Earlier in the day, Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand reported that the growth rate of Odisha's crop sector was double that of the national average, with livestock growth 33 per cent higher than the national rate.

"In the last 10 years, we have seen a clear change in Odisha's agriculture. The crop sector growth rate in Odisha is double the national average, and livestock growth is 33 percent higher. However, Odisha's livestock sector remains the only one where growth lags behind India's," said Chand, a member of the National Institution for Transforming India (Niti Aayog).

Chand further suggested that Odisha should aim to accelerate agricultural growth to at least six per cent, as seen in states like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. "I have given five to six suggestions today, and I hope the state will take action on them," he added. (ANI)

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