ODISHA MILLET MISSION
implemented at Bijepur & Sohela Blocks of Bargarh District and Rairakhol Block of Sambalpur District
Mahashakti Foundation (MSF) has been promoting millets through the Odisha Millet Mission.In the 2023-24 period, MSF has championed the cause of millets through a variety of impactful initiatives, including millet themed festivals such as ‘Mahotsav’, local fairs, and millet-based meals. These activities have been complemented by workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects with government bodies and academic institutions aimed at raising awareness and encouraging millet cultivation
Key Objectives:
Significant interventions include the adoption of best practices like using quality seeds and soil enrichment, promoting mechanization through custom hiring centers for farm machinery, establishing millet processing units, and supporting marketing and branding efforts. Furthermore, MSF focuses on training and capacity building in production, processing, and the development of value-added products to boost the millet sector comprehensively.
Odisha Millet Mission is a government initiative aimed at revitalizing millet cultivation, with a focus on tribal areas. Facilitated by Mahashakti Foundation, this five-year project seeks to promote millet-based agriculture, empower women, and enhance climate resilience in the allocated blocks of Bijepur& Sohela in Bargarh District and Rairakhol in Sambalpur District.
BIJEPUR
⦿ Implemented in 74 Villages
⦿ 1,654 small and marginal farmers cultivation of millets across 1007 Ha of land
⦿ Incentives of INR 161.94 Lakhs have been disbursed for cultivating millets in 1007 Ha of land.
⦿ One FPO (Chira Sabuja PCL) has been formed with a membership base of 317 farmers
⦿ As many as 122 farmers' income was doubled from millet farming, with reduced input costs. Chira Sabuja PCL has ensured the marketing of 4,827 [Q] of millets at INR 578/[Q]
⦿ Ensured an income of INR 1.72 Cr for the farmers.
⦿ 3WSHGs were educated on the preparation of organic manures (Handi Khata), using the knowledge the women members have turned the activity into entrepreneurship mode and made an income of INR 3.50 Lakhs by selling the organic manure.
⦿ 4Millet tiffin centres were opened and run by WSHGs. They make an average profit of INR 5000/- per month and aim to expand the business in the coming quarters.
⦿ Koda millet, Little Millet and Pearl Millet cultivation is increasing year on year
KEY OUTCOMES OF THE PROJECT(BIJEPUR )
Awards & Recognizations
Best State Award to Bijepur block by Govt of Odisha for millet production and agronomy practice.
Dist level award to Chirasabuja PCL for millet production and bio-input production as well as marketing.
Best District level Farmer award to Sesha Seth, Bijepur block for millet cultivation & best farmer to Lakhyapati Sahu.
SOHELA
⦿ Implemented in 72 Villages
⦿ 1024 small and marginal farmers cultivation of millets across 538 Ha of land
⦿ Incentives of INR 22.27 Lakhs have been disbursed for cultivating millets in 538 Ha of land
⦿ In both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
⦿ One FPO (Sohela Farmer Producer Company Ltd.)
⦿ Has been formed with a membership base of 312 farmers
⦿ 3253 [Q] of millets marketed fetching an income of INR 125.13 Lakhs to the farmers.
⦿ 2 Custom Hiring Centres (CHC) are established with enough agri equipment stored for the benefit of local farmers.
KEY OUTCOMES OF THE PROJECT(SOHELA)
