Samikhsya Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 12: Odisha government has proposed to procure one lakh quintal of ragi during this Khariff season under the Millet Mission. The decision was taken at a High Power Committee meeting on Odisha Millets Mission held under the Chairmanship of Development Commissioner Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, here today. The government also decided that “ragi ladoo” will be a part of food provided to children in Anganwadis.
The committee also proposed to add millets in the mid-day meal in districts covered under District Mineral Fund (DMF). Special Programme for Promotion of Millets in Tribal Areas of Odisha (Odisha Millets Mission) was launched by Odisha government in 2017-18 in 30 blocks of 7 districts. It was extended to 72 blocks in 2018-19 covering 14 districts in 65 blocks. The meeting discussed about Integration with different government programs to increase millet consumption and Market linkage with bigger agency for sustainability of Millet Cultivation.
Mr Mohapatra emphasized on creating market linkage for millets through ORMAS which has online marketing platform. Agriculture Production Commissioner Pradipta Mohapatra, suggested to have common procurement center for Paddy and Millets or create sub procurement center nearby.
