Subasa Mohanta, affectionately known as ‘Mandia Didi’ or the ‘Millet Didi’ in the Mayurbhanj region of Odisha, is receiving a significant honor as she prepares to share her experiences in millet cultivation with global leaders at the upcoming G20 Summit.
Another remarkable woman hailing from Odisha, Raimati Ghiuria, is also set to participate in G 20 event. She will share her inspiring journey of leadership within her village in Koraput. She encouraged women to embrace millet cultivation. Today, because of her efforts, 35 families in her community are successfully growing this crop. Ghiuria remarked, “In the past, we cultivated millet primarily for personal consumption. However, we now receive favorable prices in the market. We have also brought traditional items we use to showcase at the event.”
Subasa Mohanta and Raimati Ghiuria ,both women, belonging to tribal communities, attribute this remarkable change to the initiation of the Millet Mission by the Odisha government, which has since expanded to cover 177 blocks across 30 districts.
Subasa Didi, who commenced millet cultivation in 2018, recounts how her journey began when her nephew provided her with 250 grams of millet seeds. She had previously grown cucumbers, pumpkins, and other vegetables but struggled to secure substantial returns. However, since venturing into millet cultivation, her financial situation has significantly improved. Presently, she cultivates millets on nearly four acres of land.
Ghiuria, has established a ‘farmers produce’ company that procures millets from local tribal farmers. She actively supports Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) in managing a millet tiffin center within her block, enabling them to sell millets at MSP (Minimum Support Price)rates.
Popularly known as ‘Millet Didi’ had interacted with PM Modi during the global conference on millets and had also met President Droupadi Murmu.
