FCI targets 40,000 MT ragi procurement in Odisha, starts with Koraput and Nabarangpur

The Food Corporation of India (FCI), for the first time, procured 2,642 metric tonnes of finger millet, commonly known as ragi from Odisha this year. 

The stock was procured for the central pool and will be distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Target and Initial Lifting

FCI has set a target of procuring 40,000 metric tonnes of ragi from Odisha. Of this, 2,642 metric tonnes have already been collected from the districts of Koraput and Nabarangpur. The remaining quantity will be procured in phases from the tribal-dominated districts of Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur.

The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, the Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd, and the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department.

Procurement in Kharif 2024-25

During the 2024–25 Kharif season, the state government procured 75,000 metric tonnes of ragi. Out of this, 40,000 metric tonnes was earmarked to be procured by the FCI. As part of the process, 2,642 metric tonnes, locally called mandia, have already been procured from Koraput and Nabarangpur, as reported by PTI.

Focus on Millets

The Centre had earlier declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to encourage production, consumption, and value addition of millet-based products. 

In line with this, the Odisha government has launched several initiatives to promote the cultivation of more nutritious and high-quality millets under its Shree Anna Abhiyan.