One of the noteworthy endeavours of TPSODL is its commitment to the promotion of millet cultivation. To this end, the organisation has mobilized approximately 500 WSHGs and farmers, providing them with essential resources, a press release said on Wednesday.

TPSODL offers capacity-building programs, training sessions, and input support including seeds and on-ground guidance. The goal is not only to empower these individuals but also to promote the numerous nutritional and health benefits of millet. Millet, known for its resilience in challenging environmental conditions with minimal water and fertilizer requirements, also aids in mitigating the effects of climate change due to its low carbon footprint.

During the kharif season, more than 500 acres of land have been cultivated across 8 districts of TPSODL operational areas. In total, 70 Gram panchayats were involved impacting a total of 500 farmers and WSHGs. Which includes 24 GPs of Ganjam, 8 GPs of Gajapati, 8 GPs of Koraput, 8 GPs of Nabarangpur, 8 GPs of Malkangiri, 9 GPs of Boudh, and 5 GPs of Kandhamal. Looking ahead to the upcoming Rabi season, coinciding with the International Year of Millets, TPSODL aims to extend its support to 1000 acres of land and farmers.

In a bid to raise awareness about millets, TPSODL is organising orientation sessions and group meetings at the village and Gram Panchayat levels. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in local languages are being distributed, covering topics such as health benefits and millet cultivation guidelines. Expert training sessions are being conducted at the cluster level, educating farmers on the significance of millets, agronomic practices like systematic millet intensification (SMI), line transplanting, and the nutritional advantages of millets.

CEO of TPSODL Amit Garg said, “TPSODL stands shoulder to shoulder with farmers and women’s self-help groups in championing millet cultivation. Also, as we celebrate the International Year of Millets, TPSODL aims to extend further its support in its operational area in the coming days. Together, we are sowing the seeds of empowerment, and sustainability.”

This was stated by Secretary to CM (5T) V K Pandian, who visited Jajpur district on Tuesday as per the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He interacted with the Mission Shakti Groups and colleges students.

Pandian discussed with the Mission Shakti groups their activities and support required for transforming the SHGs into SMEs. He assured all government support to the Mission Shakti movement.

Stating that Mission Shakti is very close to the heart of Chief Minister due to its impact on the socio-economic empowerment of women, he said Mission Shakti will be further strengthened by providing permanent buildings at the GP, block and district level and mobility support to the district level staff for better reach to all areas.

He also informed that the government has decided to hand over all unused government buildings to the Mission Shakti groups for their activities. He directed the Collector to facilitate awareness about interest-free loans and also to organise loan melas at Panchayat level.

Later, Pandian interacted with the college students of Jajpur district. He informed them regarding Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s approval for the inclusion of 76 higher secondary schools and 50 Degree colleges of the district under the 5T transformation programme at a cost of Rs 61.5 Crore. He conveyed the vision of the Chief Minister for creating a “Nua Odisha” and efforts towards transformation of the state. He emphasised that the students will be the main force towards making a “Nua Odisha”. He motivated them to aim high and work hard to achieve their goals.

He assured support of the government towards providing them with all the facilities for their studies. Pandian discussed with the students regarding the college development.

Earlier, women Congress workers staged a protest against 5T Secretary’s visit to the district leading to a tussle with the police, reports from Jajpur said.

As Congress protested Pandian’s visit to Vyasanagar in Jajpur, the party’s women workers wearing black badges took out a rally from Gopabandhu Square. As they reached Chorda Square while raising slogans against the 5T Secretary, the police tried to stop them. As a result, a scuffle between the women workers and the police ensued.

Similarly, the members of the district Congress protested the 5T secretary’s visit to Jajpur town. While chanting slogan ‘Pandian Go Back’, the party workers took out a rally from the Red Cross Square and staged a demonstration. At Medical Square, they confronted with the police.