Koraput, Odisha, India, Raimati Ghiuria, affectionately known as the “Queen of Millets,” has not only cultivated and safeguarded 30 varieties of rare millets but has also become a beacon of inspiration, training hundreds of women in cultivating these nutritious grains.
In an unexpected turn of events, Raimati was invited to participate in a session at the G20 Summit held on September 9, 2023. Hailing from the humble village of Koraput in Odisha, her journey from the village to a global platform has earned her the title “Queen of Millets” from her community, which celebrated her accomplishments at the summit.
Raimati, who studied only until class 7, has preserved an impressive 72 traditional paddy varieties and 30 varieties of millets, including Kundra Bati, Mandia, Jasra, Juana, and Jamkoli. One of her millet varieties is set to be officially released by the Odisha government, marking a significant recognition of her efforts.
Despite her limited formal education, Raimati credits her knowledge to practical experience gained in the field. Her inspiration comes from Kamala Pujari, a 70-year-old woman honored with the Padma Shri for conserving hundreds of paddy seed varieties throughout her life.
Raimati, who manages four acres of land, has embraced modern technology and scientific methods, significantly improving the yield and quality of her millet farming. Under the guidance of Padma Shri Kamala Pujari, she joined forces with the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), a non-profit organization in Chennai, which aims to promote strategies for economic growth, particularly focusing on employment opportunities for disadvantaged women in rural areas.
Since the year 2000, MSSRF has assisted Raimati in adopting scientific conservation methods, including the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), the line transplanting method for paddy cultivation, the Seed Multiplication Index (SMI), and the line transplanting method for finger millets. Additionally, she has incorporated bio inputs to encourage organic farming practices.
To expand her impact, Raimati has taken the initiative to train 2,500 other farmers in her community in millet farming techniques. Known as the ‘Millet Queen’ of Odisha, Raimati emphasizes the significance of millets in daily meals, highlighting their role in providing vital energy for strenuous fieldwork.
During the G20 Summit, Raimati shared insights into the culinary delights crafted from millets. She has played a pivotal role in establishing a farm school in her village, using her ancestral family land for this purpose since 2012. Through this school, she actively trains individuals in the scientific practice of millet farming, helping them earn a better income through value addition.
In recognition of her outstanding work, Raimati has been honored with the title ‘Millet Queen’ at the state level. She received the Best Farmer Award from ICAR – IISWC, Sunabeda, in 2016, and the Best Farmer Award at the Traditional Food Festival by TATA Steel, Nuamundi, in 2018. Raimati expresses that the national-level recognition not only garnered immense respect from her in-laws but also from global leaders. This recognition motivates her to conserve more millet varieties and continue making her state proud.
Raimati’s journey highlights the benefits of consuming millets:
- Rich in Essential Nutrients: Millets contain vitamins (B-complex, vitamin E), minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc), and antioxidants.
- High in Fiber: Millets promote digestive health and prevent constipation.
- Gluten-Free: An excellent grain alternative for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Low Glycemic Index: Suitable for managing diabetes and regulating blood sugar.
- Heart-Healthy: Millets help reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and the risk of heart diseases.
Preserving millets is crucial for food security, especially during challenging periods, offering a resilient source of nutrition for vulnerable populations. Additionally, millets require less water to grow and can tolerate higher temperatures, making them environmentally friendly and vital for farmers in diverse conditions. Encouraging traditional ways of storing millets helps preserve cultural practices linked to agriculture and food storage.
