Koraput/Nandapur, April 11– In a significant boost to Odisha’s millet mission, Koraput district has recorded its highest finger millet procurement in seven years, thanks to the state government’s incentive scheme and focused planning under the ‘Shree Anna Abhiyan’.
According to Koraput Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, the district procured 2,39,875 quintals of finger millet from 14,574 farmers by April 7—achieving 98.2% of the target for the current procurement cycle. The procurement was made at a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹42.90 per kg, with an additional state incentive of ₹2.10 per kg, totaling ₹45 per kg directly credited to farmers’ bank accounts.
The initiative was executed in collaboration with TDCCOL, Millet Mission officials, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and LAMPs across 14 blocks. In Lamtaput block, 41,000 quintals were collected from 2,597 farmers—the highest in the district—while Shri Jaibik Farmers Producer Group in Nandapur procured 34,950 quintals from 2,382 farmers through six collection centers.
Compared to the 2023–24 season, where 1,18,624 quintals were procured, this year’s figures reflect a remarkable growth in production and farmer participation. The Collector credited the success to increased awareness, higher MSP, and timely coordination.
The procured millet will be used in various state initiatives, including school nutrition programmes where ‘millet laddus’ will be distributed to students. Additionally, the Women and Child Development Department plans to include millet-based foods in its welfare schemes.
This achievement not only supports farmers’ livelihoods but also promotes millets as a nutritious, climate-resilient crop on a global platform.