Raimati Ghiuria: Tribal Farmer and Conservationist
Journey to the G-20 International Conference
Raimati Ghiuria, a renowned farmer from Kundura Block in Koraput district, is headed to Delhi to partake in discussions at the prestigious G-20 International Conference. Representing her region, she aims to share insights into the diverse varieties of ragi and other millet grains that are traditionally cultivated in the Koraput region.
Farming Expertise and Achievements
Role Model: Raimati stands as an icon, especially among women, promoting organic farming and educating others in the region.
Seed Conservation: With her family’s support, she conserved 72 traditional rice seed varieties and 30 millet varieties, a testament to her dedication to traditional farming methods.
Awards and Recognitions: Part of the team awarded the Genome Saver Community Award in 2012.
Bamandal Farmers Producers Company Limited: As the head, she oversees various operations including the preparation and sale of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, and the marketing of millet products.
Farm School: Raimati established a farm school in her village in 2012, imparting knowledge on farming and conservation to others.
Quotes and Acknowledgements
Prashant Pagoda: Recognized Raimati’s contribution to farming and conservation during his tenure as the Director-in-charge at the Swaminathan Research Foundation.
Prashant Kumar Parida: Highlighted the support extended to Raimati by the Swaminathan Research Foundation.
Tapas Chandra Rai, Agriculture Officer: Stressed the global emphasis on millet this year, expressing hope that Raimati will effectively present Koraput’s rich ragi variety to world leaders.
Focus at the G-20 Conference
Raimati plans to highlight the following at the conference:
Traditional Knowledge Techniques: Discussing the techniques utilized in the Koraput region.
High-Quality Traditional Millet Grains: Presenting renowned millet grains, including Bati Mandia and Mami Mandia, that are native to the region.
Previous Global Recognition: Drawing inspiration from Padmashree Kamala Pujari who previously presented the diverse rice varieties of Koraput at an international forum in Johannesburg.
Vision
Raimati carries the hopes and the rich agricultural tradition of the Koraput region with her as she steps onto the international stage, ready to present the traditional and organic farming methods that have thrived in her community to the world. She stands as a beacon of self-made success, conservation, and the embodiment of the rich farming culture of Koraput.
