In a significant boost to Odisha’s millet mission, Koraput district has witnessed a historic bumper crop of ragi (finger millet, locally known as Mandia) this season, marking a seven-year high in production. The achievement has brought renewed enthusiasm among farmers and policymakers alike, highlighting the district’s agricultural potential under the State’s proactive millet promotion efforts.
Unprecedented Harvest Under ‘Shree Anna’ Scheme
Koraput’s success is largely attributed to the State government’s flagship ‘Shree Anna’ scheme, designed to encourage the cultivation of nutrient-rich millets. This season, 1,39,875 quintals of ragi have been procured through 21 agricultural cooperatives across 14 blocks, setting a new benchmark for the district.
Farmers were initially provided cash incentives to support cultivation. After the successful harvest, the district administration ensured direct transfer of funds into farmers’ bank accounts, offering timely financial support and reinforcing trust in the system.
Farmers Reap Benefits with Promising Returns
A total of 14,574 farmers have benefited from the procurement drive, with the minimum support price supplemented by an additional Rs 45 per kilogram, including a Rs 2 bonus. This move has strengthened farmer morale and created a ripple effect of interest in expanding ragi cultivation in future cropping cycles.
Local farmer Surendra Masti, in an interview with OTV, expressed optimism:
“We have harvested a good quantity of ragi this year. Mandi arrangements made by the State government were quite appreciable. If we continuously receive governmental support in the coming years and the climatic conditions remain unchanged, we will be more encouraged to cultivate this crop.”
Another farmer, Bhima Gauda, shared:
“I had cultivated ragi in an acre of land and sold around 16 packets in the mandi. I have kept only two packets for my family’s consumption and one more as seeds. I got a good price at the rate of Rs 45 including Rs 2 bonus.”
Rising Demand and Global Prospects
Ragi’s nutritional benefits and versatile use in products like biscuits and laddus have significantly boosted its market demand across Odisha and beyond. Looking ahead, plans are underway to explore international markets, opening up new avenues for Koraput’s ragi and enhancing rural livelihoods.
Conclusion
This remarkable agricultural success in Koraput not only ensures economic security for thousands of tribal and small-scale farmers but also reaffirms the nutritional and economic value of millets in Odisha’s food system. As Odisha gears up for wider millet cultivation, Koraput stands as a model district, demonstrating how government support, cooperative efforts, and farmer resilience can yield transformative outcomes.