Odisha launches ‘Odisha Millets Mission’

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to support the livelihood of tribals, the State government will implement ‘Odisha Millets Mission’, announced Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday.

The move is likely to boost cultivation of traditional millet which is facing extinction despite being termed as ‘healthy food’ by dieticians.

As per plans, Odisha government will spend nearly Rs 100 crore during the next year and the assistance will be scaled up in future.

“State government is already implementing a pilot programme named Odisha Millets Mission. To provide remunerative price to the millets growing farmers and improve nutritional security, the government will procure millets and utilize in various schemes,” Patnaik said.

Official sources said, millets occupy substantial part of the diets and crop systems in tribal areas of Odisha. Millets require less water and are more resilient to climate vulnerability.

“Rs 100 crores will be spent during the next near and benefit about 5 lakh farmers, especially in the rain deficit areas of the State,” Patnaik said.

At present, the Odisha Millets Mission is being implemented in 30 blocks of seven districts. The government is now keen to implement it in 55 blocks in 11 districts.