Odisha’s Millet Queen Raimati Ghiuria: Honoured with Doctorate by President Droupadi Murmu

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Bhubaneswar: Raimati Ghiuria, fondly known as Odisha’s “Millet Queen,” has been awarded an honorary doctorate by President Droupadi Murmu for her exceptional contribution to millet conservation and sustainable farming practices. The prestigious honour was conferred during the grand convocation ceremony at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) on Thursday, marking a historic moment for the farming community. 

A Trailblazer Rooted in Tradition 

Hailing from Odisha’s Koraput district, Raimati Ghiuria has dedicated her life to preserving traditional crops, particularly millets. Her journey began under the guidance of her aunt, Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari, who inspired her to delve deep into the world of indigenous agriculture. 

“My aunt taught me the importance of preserving native crop varieties. Watching her collect and conserve paddy species sparked my passion for safeguarding our agricultural heritage,” Ghiuria reminisced. 

Millets: A Mission Beyond Cultivation 

Ghiuria’s commitment to millets has transcended farming. She has conserved over 300 millet varieties and cultivated 77 types of paddy, positioning Odisha as a leader in millet preservation on the global stage. Millets, often dubbed “miracle grains,” are celebrated for their resilience and nutritional benefits, and Ghiuria’s efforts have amplified their significance worldwide. 

“My work has taken me to villages across the state and to international platforms, sharing the story of these incredible grains,” she shared with pride. 

Triumph Over Trials 

Raimati’s path to success has been marked by adversity. Born into a family with limited resources, she faced significant hardships, including food insecurity. Yet, her unwavering determination fueled her mission to promote traditional farming. 

“My love for farming kept me going. I wanted to ensure that future generations could benefit from the diversity of our crops,” Ghiuria recounted. 

Inspiring a New Generation 

Beyond her conservation work, Ghiuria is a vocal advocate for agricultural revival among the youth. She actively campaigns for the younger generation to embrace farming, emphasizing its role in food security and environmental sustainability. 

“Farming is a way of life. I urge young people to take pride in agriculture and contribute to safeguarding our food systems,” she appealed passionately. 

A Well-Deserved Honour 

The honorary doctorate from President Murmu is a crowning achievement in Raimati Ghiuria’s journey of dedication and resilience. It stands as a recognition of her tireless efforts to preserve Odisha’s agricultural legacy. 
Raimati’s story is a reminder of the critical need to support traditional farming practices in an era dominated by industrial agriculture. Her work not only protects biodiversity but also strengthens the cultural and nutritional fabric of communities. 
As Odisha celebrates its “Millet Queen,” her achievements inspire hope and determination in the hearts of farmers and conservationists alike. Ghiuria’s message is clear: preserving the past is key to securing the future.