By Sarada Lahangir
The room erupted in applause as RaimatiGhiuria, a tribal farmer from the remote Nuaguda village in the Kundra block of Koraput, stepped up to receive her honorary doctorate from President Droupadi Murmu. The applause wasn’t just for her remarkable achievement—it was for every seed she had preserved, every millet she had sown, and every farmer she had inspired to protect India’s agricultural heritage.
In a historic recognition of grassroots innovation, RaimatiGhiuria, a custodian millet farmer, was conferred with an honorary doctorate by the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) at its 40th Convocation on December 5, 2024. President Droupadi Murmu presented this prestigious honor to Ghiuria, renowned as a barefoot scientist for her extraordinary contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional seed varieties, especially millet. Widely known as the Mandia Rani (Millet Queen), Ghiuria has become a symbol of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Her relentless efforts to safeguard indigenous crops and empower rural communities have earned her this distinction. Her journey from a small village in Odisha to the global stage exemplifies the transformative power of traditional farming practices in addressing modern agricultural challenges.
Early Life: A Humble Beginning with Grand Aspirations
22-year-old RaimatiGhiuria’s journey began in the picturesque yet economically challenged Koraput district. Her early life was marked by struggles, including days of severe penury where securing even a single meal was a challenge. Despite these hardships, her passion for agriculture took root in her childhood, thanks to her Bada Ma (father’s elder brother’s wife), the Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari. Pujari, a staunch advocate for traditional farming methods, introduced young Raimati to the art and science of seed preservation.
“Bada Ma used to collect different country-grown species of paddy and took me to farmlands. It was under her guidance that I learned how to preserve paddy varieties,” Ghiuria recalled. “These early lessons instilled in me a profound respect for the resilience and diversity of indigenous crops, sowing the seeds of a lifelong commitment to agriculture.” She added.
The Spark of Millet Conservation
After her marriage, Raimati discovered rare domestic species of paddy at her in-laws’ house, rekindling her interest in traditional crops. She began preserving these grains and soon expanded her focus to include millets. Over the years, her efforts blossomed into a movement. Today, Ghiuria has successfully cultivated over 77 varieties of paddy and more than 300 varieties of millet, making her a vital custodian of Odisha’s agricultural heritage.
“Millets, often referred to as ‘super grains,’ have been a cornerstone of my work,” she narrates. “These nutrient-rich crops, historically overshadowed by rice and wheat, play a critical role in sustaining agricultural diversity and ensuring food security. Recognizing their potential, I began tirelessly advocating for their cultivation and consumption, urging farmers to re-embrace these traditional crops.”
Championing Agricultural Sustainability and Empowering Women
For over two decades, Raimati has been a partner of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), an organization that shares her commitment to organic farming and biodiversity. Together, they have worked to educate and empower rural communities, particularly women, about sustainable farming techniques and the importance of preserving indigenous seed varieties.
Ghiuria’s influence extends beyond her farm. She has conducted numerous training programs for women in millet cultivation, fostering economic independence and resilience in her community. By sharing her knowledge, she has ensured that traditional farming practices are not just preserved but actively practiced and passed on to future generations.
Recognition and Global Advocacy
RaimatiGhiuria’s tireless efforts have garnered widespread acclaim. The Amazing Indians 2024 award, in addition to her honorary doctorate, recognized her for her extraordinary contributions to agriculture. Her advocacy has taken her to national and international platforms, where she has championed the cause of traditional crops.
One of her most significant moments of international recognition came in 2023 when she represented Odisha at the G20 Summit during the International Year of Millets. There, she highlighted the critical role millets play in sustainable agriculture and global food security. Her participation not only shone a spotlight on Odisha’s agricultural heritage but also emphasized the importance of supporting small-scale farmers and traditional practices in combating the challenges posed by modern industrial agriculture.
Preserving Agricultural Heritage
Raimati’s dedication to preserving traditional seed varieties is unparalleled. She has traveled extensively across villages in Odisha, collecting and documenting rare species of millet and paddy. Her meticulous efforts have preserved 30 rare millet varieties and numerous paddy species, safeguarding them from extinction.
This work is not merely an act of conservation but also an assertion of the cultural and nutritional value of indigenous crops. In an era dominated by hybrid and genetically modified seeds, Raimati’s preservation of traditional grains serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of these crops, which are better suited to withstand climate change and require fewer resources than their modern counterparts.
A Vision for the Future
Despite her numerous accolades, Raimati remains grounded, driven by a singular vision: to ensure that agriculture continues to thrive as a sustainable livelihood for future generations. “I would appeal to farmer brothers and sisters, who are turning their faces away from farming, to take agriculture forward so that our future generations will never face food scarcity,” she says.
Her advocacy is particularly significant in light of the challenges faced by farmers today, from declining soil fertility to the impacts of climate change. By promoting organic farming and traditional crops, Raimati offers a viable path forward, one that balances ecological health with food security.
The Millet Queen’s Legacy
RaimatiGhiuria’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to her roots. From her humble beginnings to receiving an honorary doctorate from the president of India, she has charted a path that bridges traditional wisdom with contemporary challenges. Her work has not only elevated the profile of millets and other traditional crops but has also inspired countless others to recognize the value of sustainable agriculture.
As the world grapples with the twin crises of biodiversity loss and food insecurity, the lessons from Ghiuria’s life and work are more relevant than ever. By championing the cause of millets, she has ensured that these ancient grains regain their rightful place in the global food system, embodying a model of agriculture that is as sustainable as it is inclusive.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Odisha, says, “Odisha has a long-standing tradition of community custodianship over agrobiodiversity, with the Koraput region recognized as one of India’s two Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Sites by the FAO. This region has been shaped by dedicated custodians like Ms. RaimatiGhiuria, who has conserved over 70 varieties of paddy and 30 varieties of millet with support from the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation. Her efforts have garnered global recognition, including her participation in the G20.”
“I am immensely proud to see her honored with an honorary doctorate by the Hon’ble President of India. Dr.Raimati’s journey is a true inspiration to all,” he added.
RaimatiGhiuria’s journey is an example of the power of individual action in driving systemic change. Through her efforts, she has shown that preserving the past can be the key to securing the future—a future where agriculture thrives in harmony with nature and no one goes hungry. The Millet Queen’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come, proving that even the smallest grains can yield the most profound impact.
