Goethe And Utkal Universities To Promote Millets Together

Goethe And Utkal Universities To Promote Millets Together

The Goethe University of Germany will join hands with Utkal University to boost the production of the nutrient-rich millets. “With less water consumption, low carbon footprint, and the fact that millets can be grown even during drought conditions, they are referred to as climate-friendly crops,” said Prof. Roland Hardenberg of Fresenius Institute at Goethe University here on Monday. 

Delivering a lecture on ‘Food Sovereignty, Food Security and Religion in Odisha and Beyond’ organised by Utkal University’s International Office, Prof. Roland said his research on tribals of Koraput and Rayagada and their food pattern prompted him to improve nutrition at the household level through the revival of millets in farms and on plates of tribal communities in Odisha.

Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University Prof. Sabita Acharya said efforts to collaborate with foreign universities and bring their professors to this institution will benefit research scholars and faculty members of Odisha. 

Meanwhile, the Odisha government, on Monday, celebrated ‘Millets Divas’. Recently, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved the celebration of ‘Millets Divas’ on the first Thursday of the Hindu month of Margasira (November). The primary aim of celebrating the day is to promote ‘mandia’ or millets as a highly nutritious and eco-friendly food product.