Koraput (Odisha):Raimati Ghiuria, a remarkable tribal woman farmer hailing from Nuaguda village in the Kundura Block of Koraput district, has embarked on a journey to Delhi to participate in the G-20 International Conference. At this prestigious global event, Raimati intends to share her invaluable knowledge about the diverse varieties of ragi and other millet grains cultivated in the Koraput region.
Raimati Ghiuria, affectionately known as Raimati in her community, stands as a shining example for women across the region. Her reputation as a woman farmer and a staunch advocate for organic farming precedes her. With the unwavering support of her traditional family members, she has been at the forefront of rice and millet conservation in her land. Ms. Raimati's contributions extend to educating other farming families about the vital importance of conserving local genetic resources. Astoundingly, she has preserved an impressive collection of 72 traditional seed varieties of rice and 30 distinct millet varieties.
Taking her commitment to sustainable agriculture further, Raimati also leads the Bamandai Farmers Producers Company Limited (FPO) established in her village. The FPO is involved in various activities including the production and sale of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, procurement, millet marketing, and value-added products. Her family's benevolence extends to the establishment of a farm school in their village, a gesture that dates back to 2012, with her family actively facilitating the school's operations since its inception.
Raimati's exceptional leadership and diverse skills have earned her numerous awards and accolades. She was a pivotal member of the team that received the Genome Saver Community Award in 2012 from the PPV & FR Authority in New Delhi. Prashant Pagoda, Director-in-charge at Swaminathan Research Foundation, lauded her contributions in the field of organic millet cultivation and seed preservation.