Odisha's Millet Procurement Hits Record High: What This Means for Farmers

Millet Procurement Surges in Koraput District

In Koraput district, the procurement of finger millet has reached a remarkable seven-year peak, attributed to the Odisha government's incentive program offering Rs 2.10 per kg. As reported by Koraput Collector V Keerthi Vasan, the district has successfully procured 239,875 quintals of millet from 14,574 farmers by April 7, nearing 98.2% of the targeted 244,200 quintals for this procurement cycle.

Officials attribute this achievement to a strategic plan developed for the 2024–25 fiscal year under the 'Shree Anna Abhiyan' initiative. This plan was collaboratively executed by the district administration, the Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Ltd (TDCCOL), Millet Mission officials, and farmer producer organizations (FPOs).

To facilitate direct purchases from farmers, the administration established 21 FPOs and Large Area Multipurpose Societies (LAMPs) across 14 blocks. The procurement process was conducted at a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 42.90 per kg, supplemented by the state incentive, resulting in a total of Rs 45 per kg, which was directly credited to the farmers' bank accounts. The Collector emphasized that surpassing the target ahead of schedule has not only empowered farmers economically but has also raised awareness of the nutritional benefits of millets globally. The district administration commended the collective efforts of millet farmers, FPOs, LAMPs, the Millet Mission, and TDCCOL for achieving this record procurement.

In the Nandapur block, the Shri Jaibik Farmers Producer Group has procured 34,950 quintals of millet from 2,382 farmers by setting up six procurement centers. Meanwhile, the Lamtaput block has achieved a record collection of 41,000 quintals from 2,597 farmers, making it the top procurement block in the area. Vasan noted that during the previous procurement season of 2023–24, 118,624 quintals of finger millet were purchased from 8,232 farmers at an MSP of Rs 38.46 per kg. To further promote millet cultivation, the state government raised the MSP to Rs 42.90 per kg from the previous Rs 38.46 and provided an additional incentive of Rs 2.10 per kg, encouraging increased production.

The procured millet is set to be utilized in various state programs and will be transported for both domestic and international export, according to the Collector. Additionally, the School and Mass Education Department has initiated a program to use the procured millet to create 'millet (mandia) laddu' for distribution among students as part of a nutrition initiative.

Furthermore, the Women and Child Development Department plans to offer millet-based food products to its beneficiaries, aiming to enhance nutrition and ensure effective use of the procured grains, as highlighted by the Collector.