Reviving Traditional Agriculture: The Odisha Millet Mission in Sundargarh

Launched on 1st July 2020, the Odisha Millet Mission is a pioneering project that aims to rejuvenate millet cultivation in the tribal-dominant districts of Sundargarh and Jharsuguda. This initiative, focusing on the Balisankara, Tangarpali, and Kirmira blocks, is a step towards restoring the age-old traditions of millet cultivation, an essential part of the tribal dietary habit, while aligning it with modern agricultural practices.

Project Overview

• Geographical Reach: Spanning 38 Gram Panchayats and 183 villages, the project engages 3011 farmers, primarily small and marginal, across Sundargarh and Jharsuguda districts.
• Target Group: The project specifically caters to small and marginal farmers, addressing their unique challenges and potentials.

Objectives: Cultivating Change

• Decentralized Processing: Setting up decentralized processing units at the Panchayat and village levels to increase household consumption.
• Productivity Improvement: Adopting improved agronomic practices to enhance productivity.
• Seed Availability: Establishing community seed centers focusing on local varieties for millet seeds.
• FPO Strengthening: Strengthening Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs) for better marketing of millets.
• State Nutritional Programs: Including millets in state nutrition programs and the Public Distribution System (PDS). 

Major Achievements: Milestones of Success

• Expansion of Cultivation: Millet cultivation expanded to 970.2 hectares, engaging 3226 farmers in sustainable practices.
• Innovative Techniques: Adoption of System of Millet Intensification (SMI) and line transplantation techniques, boosting crop yields.
• Significant Production: A remarkable production of 5517 quintals of millets.
• Promoting Healthier Diets: Organized 14 food festivals promoting healthier eating choices and millet consumption.
• Seed Security: Preservation of 52 quintals of millet seeds at the Community Seed Center.
• Economic Viability: Empowering 22 progressive millet farmers with substantial incomes, each exceeding ₹0.5 lakhs.

The Sundargarh Millet Initiative

• Focused Approach: Concentrating on Tangarpali and Balisankara blocks, the initiative encompasses 20 Gram Panchayats, 26 villages, and 515 farmers.
• Cultivation Impact: Achieving millet cultivation in 499.5 acres.
• Procurement Success: Procuring 185.75 quintals of millets.
• Value Addition: Adding value to Ragi with up to 21 different products.
• Formation of FPOs: Establishing 2 FPOs to enhance the market presence and negotiation power of the farmers.

Looking Ahead

The Odisha Millet Mission is more than just an agricultural project; it’s a movement towards sustainability, health, and economic empowerment. As we continue to expand and innovate, our vision is clear – to transform the millet cultivation landscape of Sundargarh and Jharsuguda, bringing back the glory of a crop that was once the staple of our tribal ancestors.