Renowned as the “Queen of Millets,” Raimati Ghiuria, hailing from the humble village of Koraput in Odisha, India, has not only cultivated and conserved 30 rare millet varieties but has also been instrumental in training numerous women in millet cultivation. In a remarkable feat, Raimati was invited to the G20 Summit, where she shared her expertise alongside delegates from nations like Australia, China, Italy, and the European Union.
The shift from millets to more commonly consumed rice and wheat has been a growing concern. To counteract this trend, tribal farmers are taking a proactive stance, especially in light of the International Year of Millets, to revive interest in these native and nutritionally rich grains.
Raimati, representing her community at the G20 Summit in September 2023, garnered praise and admiration, earning the affectionate title of the “Queen of Millet” from her village residents. Her inspiring journey is rooted in the legacy of Kamala Pujari, a 70-year-old Padma Shri awardee celebrated for her lifelong dedication to conserving numerous paddy seed varieties.
Despite marrying at a young age, Raimati remained steadfast in her commitment to farming, inspired by the resilience of Kamala Pujari. Currently cultivating millets on her four-acre land, Raimati has embraced advanced technology and scientific methods, significantly enhancing both yield and quality in millet farming.
Under the mentorship of Padma Shri Kamala Pujari, Raimati collaborated with the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), a non-profit organization based in Chennai. MSSRF is dedicated to formulating and promoting strategies for economic growth, with a particular emphasis on creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged women in rural areas.
Raimati’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of individuals committed to preserving traditional practices, fostering agricultural sustainability, and empowering rural women. As the “Queen of Millets,” her influence extends beyond her village, contributing to a broader movement aimed at revitalizing the cultivation and consumption of these often overlooked but invaluable grains.
