https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Koraput’s Success Story Under Odisha Millets Mission

Initially, the Odisha Millets Mission was launched in 30 blocks across seven districts in Odisha. Over the years, it has scaled up to 142 blocks in 19 districts, reaching 1.5 lakh farmers and improving agronomic practices over 75,000 hectares. 
Indian Masterminds Stories

In a region known for its rich tribal heritage and agricultural traditions, the Odisha Millets Mission (OMM) stands as a bold and transformative initiative. Launched in 2016-17 by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, the Government of Odisha, OMM seeks to revitalise the cultivation and consumption of millets in tribal areas. The program addresses critical challenges of malnutrition, food security, and sustainable farming while fostering economic opportunities for marginalised communities. 

Initially, OMM was launched in 30 blocks across seven districts in Odisha. Over the years, it has scaled up to 142 blocks in 19 districts, reaching 1.5 lakh farmers and improving agronomic practices over 75,000 hectares. 

REINTRODUCING MILLETS INTO THE MAINSTREAM 

Millets, once a dietary staple in India, have diminished in prominence due to the dominance of rice and wheat. However, the nutritional benefits of these drought-resistant crops remain unmatched. The Odisha Millets Mission not only emphasises enhanced millet production but also integrates it into public nutrition schemes, such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM), and welfare hostels. 

“What sets OMM apart is its comprehensive approach: increasing millet productivity through improved agronomic practices, promoting value addition, encouraging local consumption, and ensuring a sustainable market for millet-based products,” Mr. Vasan shared with Indian Masterminds

KORAPUT’S JOURNEY WITH MILLETS 

In Koraput, OMM began in 2016-17, covering seven blocks. By 2018-19, it expanded to three more blocks, and in 2022-23, it reached two additional blocks. Today, the program spans 12 blocks, involving over 25,000 farmers and improving over 10,000 hectares of agricultural land. With the guidance of the District Collector, IAS Keerthi Vasan, Koraput, has become a model for inclusive and sustainable development under the OMM framework. 

COLLABORATIVE IMPLEMENTATION 

The program operates through a multi-stakeholder model, bringing together district authorities, NGOs, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and self-help groups (SHGs). The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) serves as the nodal agency, ensuring effective coordination. 

Blocks such as Boipariguda, Borigumma, and Kundra have established FPOs like Sabujima and Nari Pragati to spearhead local implementation. These partnerships have significantly boosted millet cultivation, processing, and procurement in the district. 

MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS 

Mr. Vasan further shared that since its inception in Koraput, the program has achieved remarkable progress: 

Crop Coverage Growth: From 1,060 hectares in 2017-18 to over 10,400 hectares in 2022-23, benefiting thousands of farmers. 

Infrastructure Development: Custom hiring centres, community seed centres, and processing units have been established in most blocks. 

Procurement Success: The district’s annual ragi procurement target has grown substantially, with farmers achieving record sales. 

Entrepreneurial Opportunities: SHGs now operate 12 millet Shakti tiffin centres and several processing units for ragi and little millet. 

“The introduction of Ragi threshers, pulverisers, and advanced cleaning and grading equipment has reduced manual labour while ensuring better quality produce,” the officer added. Participatory varietal trials have helped conserve traditional millet landraces, strengthening local biodiversity. 

NUTRITION AT THE CORE

The program’s focus on nutrition is evident in its efforts to incorporate millets into daily diets. Pilot projects like Little Millet Khichdi and Ragi THR (Take Home Ration) in the Laxmipur block are tailored for pregnant women and lactating mothers. Plans to expand these initiatives aim to address malnutrition and anaemia in vulnerable populations. 

EMPOWERING TRIBAL COMMUNITIES 

“OMM is more than an agricultural intervention; it is a movement toward empowerment.” By connecting farmers to institutional buyers and providing fair prices under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, the program enhances income security. Value-added enterprises like Millet Shakti cafés and outlets, planned for Jeypore and Koraput, are poised to create more livelihood opportunities while increasing urban awareness of millets. 

FUTURE PATHWAYS 

Under the leadership of IAS Keerthi Vasan, Koraput’s OMM strategy is ambitious yet grounded. Future plans include: 

  • Establishing additional processing units and infrastructure for SHGs.  
  • Expanding the non-ragi millet seed production program.  
  • Scaling up millet-based nutrition schemes across all blocks.  
  • Introducing Millet Shakti cafés and outlets for wider reach and better market linkage.  

The Odisha Millets Mission in Koraput exemplifies the transformative potential of well-implemented public programs. By blending traditional agricultural wisdom with modern interventions, it not only addresses malnutrition but also provides sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities. In doing so, the district moves closer to achieving its goals of equitable growth and food security.  

Under the stewardship of IAS Keerthi Vasan, Koraput is setting an example for others to follow—a region where innovation, inclusion, and sustainability converge to create a brighter future.  


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
IRSSE (Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers) officer
IRSSE Gaurav Govil Debarred from Central Deputation for 5 Years Over Non-Compliance with CVO Appointment
Delhi High Court-resized-DelhiHC
Faith vs Discipline: Delhi HC Backs Army in Termination of Officer, Upholds Dismissal For Refusing Religious Parade Participation
IRS Officer Indian revenue Services
Senior IRS Officer Caught in Bribery Case: ₹25 Lakh Seized at Mohali Residence, ₹45 Lakh Demanded – Know the Full Story
PNB Housing Finanace
PNB Housing Finance Elevates Bhavya Taneja as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) - Know More About Him
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann Takes Over as Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command - Know More About Him
Rajgir Sports
Bihar’s Mega Sports Push: Playgrounds, Stadiums & Talent Hunt Transform State; Over 50 Lakh Students Join
Indian Oil IOCL
Indian Oil (IOCL) Finalizes LCOH for India’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant at Panipat Refinery - Details Inside
RECPDCL Handover WRNES Talegaon Power Transmission Limited SPV to Adani Energy
RECPDCL Hands Over WRNES Talegaon Power Transmission SPV to Adani Energy Solutions - All Details Inside
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
From Gwalior to the Top 20: What Drove Finance Pro Madhav Agarwal to Crack UPSC CSE 2024 with AIR 16? | Exclusive
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
ANUBHAV SINGH UPSC IFS 2024
9 Years, 8 Attempts, 7 Failures: How Anubhav Singh Cracked UPSC IFS 2024 with AIR 3 Against All Odds | Exclusive
Anubhav Singh’s inspiring journey to UPSC IFS Rank 3 showcases relentless perseverance, strategic preparation,...
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
WhatsApp Image 2025-05-28 at 18.56
Didn’t Clear UPSC But Found Something Greater: A Story That Will Change How You See Success
She left a top finance job for UPSC, did not clear but built a thriving wellness brand instead. Veda's...
Social Media
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
UPSC Latest IAS IPS IFS
UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Tomorrow: ICLS Officer Altap Shaikh Shares Last-Minute Motivation for Aspirants
His five-post thread offers encouragement, practical advice, and emotional support - not just for those...
Anupam Sharma IFS
#BoycottTurkey: IFS Officer Anupam Sharma Sparks Nationalist Call to Action
IFS Sharma urged citizens to avoid Turkish agricultural imports
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Leopard into Well Indore
Wildlife on the Edge: Why Leopards Keep Falling into Wells in MP’s Mhow & How Communities Are Navigating Coexistence
Harry Hobbs of Kolkata and Other Forgotten Lives
Nine Colonial Lives That Shaped Calcutta: Devasis Chattopadhyay’s Fascinating Chronicle | Book Review
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT