New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) The Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is poised to engage in significant initiatives in Odisha this coming Monday. These programs are designed to boost farmers' income, ensure nutritional security, and promote natural farming practices in the state, according to an official statement released on Sunday.

Chouhan will serve as the Chief Guest at the inaugural segment of the ‘Mandia Dibasa (Millet Day)’ event, taking place at the Convention Centre within the Lok Seva Bhawan.

During this event, he will shine a light on the Central Government's efforts to stimulate the production, processing, and consumption of millets (known as Shri Anna or coarse grains) throughout Odisha and beyond.

Furthermore, the event will include discussions aimed at promoting millets as a tool for enhancing farmers' income and fortifying the rural economy, per a statement from the agriculture ministry.

Post-inauguration, Chouhan is scheduled to visit the Sadar region of Cuttack district, where he will conduct field visits and engage in direct dialogues with farmers.

He aims to hear their stories, understand the challenges they encounter, and collect their insights regarding agricultural policies. This engagement will also allow him to evaluate the on-ground status of various agricultural initiatives implemented by the Central Government and assess their impact at the grassroots level.

The Agriculture Minister will then participate in a collaborative strategic meeting at the ICAR – Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) in Bidyadharpur, Cuttack.

This meeting will focus on extensive discussions regarding the enhancement of major national agricultural initiatives, including the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, and the National Mission on Natural Farming.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR scientists, and representatives from the Odisha Government are anticipated to be present for this discussion. The goal is to devise actionable strategies aimed at achieving increased productivity, sustainability, and self-reliance in Indian agriculture.

Chouhan has been consistently visiting various states to foster direct connections with farmers and assess agricultural development on the ground.

The ‘Mandia Dibasa’ celebration exemplifies Odisha’s ongoing leadership in millet promotion. With the Central Government declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, Odisha has been a vital partner in advancing millet-based farming systems.

Chouhan’s visit underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing rural development through collaboration among the Centre, state governments, and research institutions. It reflects a vision of establishing a resilient agricultural system capable of addressing emerging challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity.