WFP 0000138661

Lessons from
Odisha Millets Mission

A Case for Mainstreaming Millets
December 2021
Message from
Director of Agriculture and Food Production
Millets-based crop systems are highly resilient to climate variability
and produce highly nutritious food grains. Millets’ share in crop area
and household consumption is drastically reduced over years. Low
productivity with the current methods of cultivation, lack of local
processing units, and lack of awareness on nutrition are identified as
the prime reasons. However, increasing urban demand, improvement in
processing machinery, availability of improved cultivars, better agronomic
practices, and the possibility of accessing support irrigation have
increased the potential of realizing higher productivity and profitability
in millets, thereby, nutrition security, resilience, and economic security of
tribal households.
The special program for millets in tribal areas of Odisha has evolved after multiple consultations
at the state level to secure nutrition and mitigate drought in southern Odisha organized by the
Planning and Convergence Department, Govt. of Odisha. The comprehensive project includes a
campaign for the revival of millets in household consumption, improving the productivity of millet
crop systems, promoting local processing enterprises, and developing markets. The programme
was budgeted for in the State Agriculture Budget of 2017-18 and is in implementation since then.
During implementation of Odisha Millets Mission, Odisha became the first state in the country
to declare direct incentive to farmers for three years through Direct Benefit Transfers, complete
benchmarking of prices of little millet and foxtail millet, develop standard specifications for
the minor millet machinery through a recognized panel of experts from different scientific
institutions, and include Ragi laddu in ICDS through the support of District Mineral Foundation. It
also became the third state to distribute millets in PDS in the country.
The Odisha Millets Mission has received recognition from many quarters. The Government of
India has asked all states to adopt the Odisha Millets Mission model for the promotion of millets,
pulses, and oilseeds. The State Planning Commission of Chhattisgarh has asked the Government
of Chhattisgarh to start a millet mission on the lines of “Odisha Millets Mission”. The Government
of India has set up a task force to understand the framework of the Odisha Millets Mission and
to revise the National submission on millets based on the learnings of the OMM. Cambridge
University partnered with Odisha Millets Mission to explore the possibility of the design of OMM
as an alternative to the Green Revolution framework. The Governor of Maharashtra has asked
the Government of Maharashtra to explore initiating a project on millets considering the Odisha
Millets Mission. UN-IFAD and UN-FAO have supported the framework of Odisha Millets Mission as
suitable for taking up agroecological initiatives. Odisha received the award for best government
initiative on millet promotion by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) - Indian
Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT).
Lessons from Odisha Millets Mission | A Case for Mainstreaming Millets 3

Based on OMM’s success in motivating farmers and building their confidence, the Govt. of Odisha
has approved the expansion of OMM to a further 60-65 blocks, beyond the current 84 blocks. I
wholeheartedly welcome the joint documentation exercise undertaken in partnership with the
WFP that is considered as a learning exercise so that mid-term correction of the program can be
undertaken and appreciate the study team also have to identify the gaps in program design and
implementation. The findings are learning-oriented with a focus on areas of improvement for the
program.
I sincerely thank Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment, and the members of
the High-Power Committee on Millets for their continuous and generous support. I also thank
District, Block, and Panchayat level staff of the department and our Civil Society and Community
partners for their perseverance and hard work to take the programme to the last mile. I assure
you that the churning of ideas for the revival of millets in farms and on plates shall continue. I
hope that the report and compendium of good practices will inspire all co-travelers within India
and globally in the journey to follow this dream.
Dr. M Muthukumar IAS,

Director of Agriculture and Food Production,
Government of Odisha
4 Lessons from Odisha Millets Mission | A Case for Mainstreaming Millets

Message from
the Country Director WFP in India
The adverse consequences of climate change present a real and present
risk to nutrition and food insecurity, impacting vulnerable communities
and livelihoods dependent on agriculture due to rising temperatures,
floods, droughts, and other extreme weather phenomena.
Adaptation through income diversification, resilient varieties, and less

water-intensive crops is needed among other strategies to secure the food
and nutrition security of millions of vulnerable populations, especially
smallholder farmers. It’s in this context, millets are being championed
as the crops of the future and a ‘climate-smart crop’, contributing to sustainable food systems,
advancing food and nutrition security, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 2.
The Government of India has been championing the role of millets in the nutritional security in
the country and globally as was evident in its advocacy at the United Nations General Assembly
for declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Integration of Nutri-cereals in National
Food Security Act (2013) for potential distribution through Targeted Public Distribution System,
incorporation in National food Security Mission-coarse cereals, and observing 2018 as millet year
demonstrates India’s commitment at the highest level.
The Government of Odisha initiated the Odisha Millet Mission (OMM), a special programme for
the promotion of millets in tribal areas, in 2017. The flagship led by the Department of Agriculture
and Farmers’ Empowerment, the Government of Odisha, has emerged as the first of its kind
initiative to revive millets from farms to plate, introducing millets in the Public Distribution System
(PDS) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
For these innovative interlinkages, OMM has been recognised by NITI Aayog as one of the
progressive models for the promotion of millets that could offer learning to other Indian states.
Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra are in different stages of introducing a project/ mission on the
similar line.
WFP has undertaken this documentation of Good Practices and Lessons Learned of OMM to take
stock of the achievements and provide an overview of the operational model followed to inform
its replication by others.
I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Mr. Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Commissioner-
cum-Secretary to Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, and Dr. M Muthukumar, Director,
Agriculture & Food Production, Government of Odisha, and incessant and unbridled support of
the entire OMM team in undertaking this project.
I am confident that this documentation along with the other products developed will be of
immense value for learning from the Odisha experience and inspire other states in India, and
other countries, that face similar challenges, and opportunities in the world to face climate
uncertainties impacting food security.
Bishow Parajuli
Representative and Country Director,
United Nations World Food Programme, India
Acknowledgements
World today is looking at alternatives, to ensure sustainable food security for the world, that
are climate resilient and nutritious. Millet is seen as one of the options. While the Government
of India is spearheading the efforts of millet mainstreaming, it is important to understand the
underlying challenges and document the experiences of how some of these challenges were
addressed. The study precisely tried to look at these aspects and analyzed efforts of Odisha Millet
Mission across millet value chain. The study team would like to acknowledge the opportunity
and wholehearted support provided by the Government of Odisha, particularly the Department
of Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment at the state level and their officials at district and block
level. Their support was instrumental in facilitating access to the stakeholders for data collection
as well as providing necessary data and background information on Odisha Millets Mission.
The study would not have been possible without the full support and great insights from Dr
Neelam Patel, Senior Adviser-Agriculture, NITI Aayog, Dr Vilas A Tonapi, Director, Indian Institute
of Millets Research (IIMR), Dr. B Dayakar Rao, CEO, Nutrihub, IIMR, Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh,
Director, CSIR - Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mr. Indevar Pandey,
Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Dr Arvind Padhee, Director, Country
Relations, ICRISAT, Mr. Manoj Joshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries
& Mr. Vasimalai M.P, Executive Director, DHAN Foundation. We are grateful to them for their
availability and willingness to share their valuable perspectives, experience and directions despite
their busy schedules.
The study team is especially grateful to all the stakeholders of OMM i.e., Nabakrushna Choudhury
Centre for Development Studies, Watershed Support Services and Activities Network & district
level NGO partners, farmer producer organizations, self-help group members and individual
farmers for making themselves readily available for the interview and focused group discussions
and sharing their insights and feedback. The openness in their conversations with the study team
is much appreciated. Last but not the least, the study would not have been possible without the
support from all stakeholders who participated in the validation workshop and provided valuable
comments and insights.
The study team is especially grateful to Mr Bishow Parajuli, Country Director, WFP India,
Mr. Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment Department,
Government of Odisha and Dr. M. Muthukumar, Director, Agriculture & Food Production for their
overall guidance and leadership for the study. Special thanks are due to all the concerned WFP
staffs for their timely feedback.
Responsibility for the opinions expressed in this report rests solely with the study team.
Study Team
WFP IPE Global
Pradnya Paithankar, Head- Policy Design, Vinit Pattnaik, Team Leader
Climate Change, DRR and SSTC Lipika Patro, Knowledge Management Expert
Himanshu Bal, State Head, Odisha Kriti Gupta, Evaluation Manager
Saanjuli Gupta, Senior Analyst
Pranay Sinha, Programme Policy Officer
Amrutha Nair, Senior Analyst
(South-South & Triangular Cooperation)
Srimanta Khuntia, Documentation Manager
Animesh Jana, Field Manager

Abbreviations and Acronyms
Abbreviation Expanded Notation
AAO Assistant Agriculture Officer
ASHA Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture
ATMA Agricultural Technology Management Agency
BC Block Coordinator
CBO Community Based Organization
CFTIR Central Food Technological Research Institute
CHC Custom Hiring Centre
CRP Community Resource Person
DBT Direct Beneficiary Transfer
DRDA District Rural Development Agency
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
FGD Focus Group Discussion
FO Facilitating Agency
FPO Farmer Producer Organization
GP Gram Panchayat
ICDS Integrated Child Development Services
IDI In-depth Interviews
IIFP Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology
IIMR Indian Institute of Millet Research
INSIMP Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millet Promotion
KII Key Informant Interviews
KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra
MGNREGA Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
MIS Management Information System
MoA& FW Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare
MoFPI Ministry of Food Processing Industries
M-PAS Millet Procurement Automation System (M-PAS)
MPR Monthly Progress Report

Abbreviation Expanded Notation
MSME Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
MSP Minimum Support Price
NCDS Nabakrushna Chaudhury Centre for Development Studies
NFSM National Food Security Mission
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NIWCYD National Institute of Women, Child, and Youth Development
NNS National Nutrition Strategy
ODOP One District One Product
OMM Odisha Millet Mission
PD Project Director
PDS Public Distribution System
PESA Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act
PM FME Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Enterprises
PMFBY Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
RADP Rainfed Area Development Program
RCS Recommended Cropping Systems
RESMISA Revalorizing Small Millets in Rainfed Regions of South Asia
RKVY Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
RRA Revitalizing Rainfed Agriculture
SHG Self-Help Group
SMFPA State Minor Forest Produce Association
SOE Statement of Expenditure
SPMU State Program Management Unit
TDCCOL Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Limited
Transforming India’s Green Revolution by Research to Empower Sustainable Food

TIGR2ESS
Supplies
UN United Nations
VAW Village Agriculture Worker
WASSAN Watershed Support Services and Activities Network
WFP World Food Program

Contents
Message from Director of Agriculture and Food Production ......................................................................... 3
Message from the Country Director ............................................................................................................... 5
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................................. 9
Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 13
1. Approach and Methodology......................................................................................................... 17
2. Background ................................................................................................................................... 21
3. OMM’s Operational Model ...................................................................................................... 33
4. Situational Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 55
5. Compendium of Best Practices ................................................................................................... 65
6. Discussions and Conclusions ..................................................................................................... 66
7. Way Forward and Recommendations ......................................................................................... 67
8. Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 69
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Sampling .................................................................................................................................. 18
Table 2: List of block wise clusters and villages .............................................................................. 20
Table 3: Overview of millets in India ................................................................................................ 23
Table 4: National Level Policies ....................................................................................................... 27
Table 5: Area, Production, Yield of different millets from 2010-11 to 2019-20 .................................. 37
Table 6: Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders ......................................................................49
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Approaches ....................................................................................................................... 17

Figure 2: Methodology .................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 3: Benefits of Millets ....................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 4: Major and Minor Millet Producing States in India ............................................................. 24
Figure 5: Theory of Change ............................................................................................................. 35
Figure 6: Process of farmer registration and payment using MPAS ............................................... 38
Figure 7: OMM Achievements 2019-20 ........................................................................................... 46
Figure 8: Program Delivery Mechanism ..........................................................................................47
Figure 9: Flowchart of Intended Fund Flow Mechanism .................................................................. 54
Figure 10: Distribution of nutri-cereal districts across states ........................................................... 56
Figure 11: Average yield in OMM Areas .......................................................................................... 58

Executive Summary
India shares a quarter of the global hunger through the revival of millets in farms and on
burden with nearly 195 million undernourished plates of tribal communities in Odisha. The
people. Despite substantial improvement in program has also aimed to tackle malnutrition
health and well-being since independence, by introducing millets in the Public Distribution
malnutrition remains a silent emergency in System (PDS) and other State nutrition
the country. The vulnerability of agriculture schemes like Ragi Laddu in Integrated Child
to climate change further compounds the Development Services (ICDS).
risk of malnutrition. Being a nutritious and
World Food Program, India, signed an MoU
climate-resilient crop, millets are an excellent
with Odisha Millet Mission to assess the
solution for the current agricultural and
key achievements of OMM, the operational
nutritional crisis in the country. To boost the
model followed, plans, lessons learned
production of the nutrient-rich millets, the
and document the best practices of OMM
Government of India observed the year 2018
experience to develop a range of knowledge
as India’s “National Year of Millets”. In addition,
products. The assessment included the
many other pro-millet policies have been
end-to-end value chain interventions under
implemented to leverage millets for combating
OMM and identifying scalable and innovative
nutrition insecurity in the country. Odisha
approaches. WFP has tried to bring together
Millet Mission (OMM) is a flagship program of
all the relevant information around OMM in a
the government of Odisha launched in 2017
consolidated platform by creating policy briefs,
to improve nutrition at the household level
reports, and case studies.

Development Journey of Odisha Millets
Methodology
Mission: The program has managed to make
A mixed-methods approach was adopted remarkable progress in the 5 years since its
to collect the data, draw on key policy and inception. The area under cultivation of Ragi in
program documents, and conduct qualitative OMM districts increased from 3,116 hectares
primary data collection. Cluster sampling to 43,993 hectares since the program began.
method was used to identify the sample A critical component of OMM was introducing
districts, and OMM districts were divided Ragi in various social safety net programs
into 4 clusters and one or two districts from such as Public Distribution System (PDS),
each cluster were selected. Primary data Supplementary Nutrition Programs (SNP)
collection included Key Informant Interviews under ICDS, and Mid May Meal scheme, which
(KIIs), In-depth Interviews (IDIs), Focus Group significantly improved the consumption of
Discussion (FGDs) and observations from millets.
the field. The Stakeholders from all levels –
National, State, District and Community were Reviving Millet Cultivation as Climate
interviewed to triangulate information and Resilient Crop: Millets are adaptable to
obtain a wide range of perspectives around changing climatic conditions and can grow in
the program. A detailed document and harsh weather conditions, requiring low levels
literature review to corroborate the primary of pesticides. OMM was unique as it used
data was undertaken. The report deep – only bio-inputs and therefore organic millets
dives into the design and implementation are being produced. This led to improved soil
mechanism of OMM to gain a comprehensive quality and decreased grain wastage due to
understanding of the program and also look at pests. Ensuring organic certification for these
the national level policies related to millets. crops would ensure that farmers receive fair
market prices for their products.
Situational analysis Mainstreaming Millets in Safety-Nets:

The situational analysis provides a holistic Odisha millet mission could successfully
overview of OMM’s design, components incorporate Ragi in various social safety net
and implementation mechanism while also programs. This ensured procurement of ragi
discussing millet mainstreaming from a climate from farmers at MSP and distribution through
resilience, gender and policy lens. different government programs thereby
increasing the demand and consumption of
National Policy Initiatives towards Millet millets. Efforts should be taken to optimize the
Promotion: To revive millet cultivation, the polish of ragi given in PDS to ensure a balance
Government of India announced an allocation between taste and nutrition.
of Rs. 300 crores in 2011-12 under Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana for promotion of millets Gender & Inclusion in Odisha Millets
as Nutri-cereals. Further, GOI declared Mission: Odisha Millets Mission, improved the
2018 as the year of millets and launched its involvement of women-led Self-Help Groups
millet mission as a part of the National Food (SHGs), and facilitated their participation in
Security Mission. There, however, exists policy the entire millet value chain with women
level gaps such as ensuring government being tasked to take on roles in processing,
procurement and minimum support price for value addition, and marketing, while also
all millet varieties. maintaining their traditional role of post-
harvest operations and seed management.
Further, the availability of modified paddy

machines significantly reduced the drudgery Policy Level
associated with millet processing and brought
⚫ Incorporate mechanism to assess and
a big change in the lives of women.
document for all innovations to enable
Multi-stakeholder Partnership and Multi- replication
Department Convergence: OMM brings ⚫ Promote customized machinery based on
together key government departments, the requirement and capacities of the CBO
academic institutions, CSOs and NGOs, for all types of millets at various stages of
farmer collectives and community-based value chain
organizations to leverage best results. The
research partner contributed to developing Implementation of OMM
high-yielding and resilient varieties of seeds.
⚫ Intensify State-level campaign to promote
The ground-level implementation of the
millet consumption
program is done by facilitating agencies, which
are local NGOs, familiar with the agricultural ⚫ Encourage farmers to convert paddy/other
practices and the communities. Convergence cropland to millet cultivated land
with the Department of Mission Shakti is a ⚫ Focus on storage of seeds and millet grains
critical part of OMM to fulfill its objective of as much as their production
empowering women.
Capacity Building
Conclusion and ⚫ Awareness and opportunity of inter-
cropping to be included
Recommendation
⚫ Exposure visits to different blocks and
The Odisha millet mission is a commendable
districts for cross-learning
model for mainstreaming millets, which
can be scaled up and replicated by other ⚫ Training to SHGs for packaging, marketing,
States. Its focus on the demand side along etc. and ensure participation of a majority
with the supply of millets makes it a unique of SHGs
and successful model. In the next phase ⚫ The cadre of experts for troubleshooting
additional focus needs to be given in areas machine-related issues
such as research and development on
millet processing equipment and seeds; Linkages
improved market linkages and private sector
⚫ District level Apex body or network/
engagement; focusing on the millet value
federation to ensure market linkages,
chain including storage, packaging, marketing,
transfer of skills, etc.
etc.; and ensuring the sustainability of
gains beyond the period of incentivization ⚫ Millet centred industrial park including all
by increasing demand of millets in the upstream and downstream industrial units
general population through campaigns and for end-to-end millet processing, value
innovations such as millet trucks and cafes. addition, and packaging
The focus of OMM on women empowerment
and climate resilience is also noteworthy.
Some recommendations include:

1. Approach and Methodology
while utilizing all data and undertook a deep

Approach
dive into the design and implementation
This report aims to take stock of the mechanism of OMM to gain a well-rounded
achievements made by Odisha Millets Mission, understanding of the program as well as
provide an overview of the operational National level policies related to millets. The
model followed, and identify plans and research framework for the study is presented
lessons learned to inform future program in annex 8.1 and is based on the following
undertakings. The following approaches were themes:
adopted to undertake primary data collection,
data analysis, report writing and develop ⚫ Development Journey of Odisha Millets
knowledge products. Mission
Figure 1: Approaches
01 02 03
Learning Focused Participatory Utilisation Focused

⚫ Work closely with the client to ⚫ Capture diverse views. ⚫ Practical and calibrated to
seek feedback. stakeholder needs.
⚫ Balanced and
⚫ Open and Transparent. ⚫ High-quality communication
comprehensive data.
⚫ Flexible design to factor in ⚫ Suitable for all audiences.
emerging learnings.
⚫ Reviving Millet Cultivation as Climate

Methodology
Resilient Crop
A mixed-methods approach drawing on
key policy and program documents as well ⚫ Mainstreaming Millets in Safety-Nets
as qualitative primary data was undertaken. ⚫ Gender & Inclusion in Odisha Millets
Stakeholders from all levels – National, State, Mission
District and Community were interviewed
⚫ Multistakeholder Partnership and Multi-
to triangulate information and obtain a wide
Department Convergence
range of perspectives, and yield insights into
the challenges of mainstreaming millets as well ⚫ Scale-Up and Replicability in Other States
as learnings from Odisha and other States, of India and Countries in the Region/
which can be replicated. We were analytical Elsewhere

Primary data collection included Key Informant Joint Director, Agriculture and Odisha Millet
Interviews (KIIs), In-depth Interviews Mission with the participation of other officials
(IDIs), Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and from the Agriculture Department, WASSAN,
observations from the field. Additionally, WFP and IPE Global.
we undertook a document and literature
Literature Review was also undertaken
review to corroborate the primary data. The
during this phase to get an overview of
methodology for this assignment is divided
the challenges in mainstreaming millets in
into three phases as given in figure 2:
Figure 2: Methodology
Phase III: Development

Phase I: Phase II:
of Knowledge Products
Inception Evidence Generation
and Policy Briefs
⚫ Inception Meeting ⚫ Primary Data Collection ⚫ Development of
⚫ Literature Review ⚫ Multi Stakeholder Workshop Knowledge Products
⚫ Identifying Key Stakeholders ⚫ Desk Review ⚫ Development of Policy
Developing Draft Research Briefs
⚫ Data Analysis
Framework and Research ⚫ Presentation of Drafts for
⚫ Identification of best
Questions feedback
practices, lessons and case
⚫ Developing Draft Sampling stories under each theme ⚫ Review and Finalisation of
Plan Knowledge Products and
⚫ Identification of key policy
⚫ Finalising inception report Policy Briefs
gaps and policy options in
including research framework, selected thematic areas
stakeholder list sampling plan,
⚫ Topline Findings
methodology, data collection
Presentation
tools and report structure.
Phase I: Inception India, review the policy framework for millet

mainstreaming, gain an understanding of
The inception phase started in July
the design and operation of Odisha Millets
2021 with a kick-off/briefing meeting.
Mission, familiarize ourselves with the work
During the kick-off meeting, the client
being undertaken in different districts under
elaborated on their expectations from the
OMM and start identifying best practices
assignment and outlined the management
and lessons from other States as well as
arrangements. This was followed by an
internationally. Further, the methodology
inception meeting chaired by the Director,
for the assessment & documentation process
Agriculture and Food Production, Govt.
was finalized along with the stakeholder
of Odisha with representatives from the
mapping, sampling, and data collection
government, WASSAN, WFP and IPE Global.
tools.
An introductory meeting was chaired by
Table 1: Sampling
Clusters Sampled Districts
Cluster 1: Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjharand Angul Sundergarh; Mayurbhanj
Cluster 2: Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir and Kalahandi Nuapada

Cluster 3: Malkangiri, Koraput and Nawarangapur Koraput; Malkangiri
Cluster 4: Rayagada, Kandhamal, Gajapati and Ganjam Kandhamal; Gajapati

Sampling study objectives with a larger stakeholder
group and get inputs on the study design and
OMM is being undertaken in 15 districts and
methodology; collect information on various
84 blocks, having a large tribal population. We
innovations and best practices across various
divided OMM districts into clusters and based
research themes; and identify promising
on the above considerations, selected one or
geographies for field visits and data collection.
two districts from each cluster in consultation
with the department of agriculture and We field-tested the data collection tools in
farmers welfare as given in table 1. From the Daringbadi Block of Kandhamal district.
each of the 7 sampled districts, 2 blocks and Based on the inputs received the tools were
one village per block were selected for data edited and translated for data collection. This
collection. was followed by 2 days of training of field
enumerators and researchers. Following the
Phase II: Evidence training of the study teams and the pilot, we
initiated the fieldwork. A team of 3 Cluster
Generation Resource Persons and 6 Enumerators, guided
The inception phase was followed by the by a Field Operations Manager completed the
evidence generation phase, which started with fieldwork in 4 weeks in the blocks and villages
a multi-stakeholder workshop (proceedings given below. The list of interviews and focus
report presented in annex 8.2). The key group discussions conducted is given in annex
objectives of this workshop were to share 8.3.

Table 2: List of block-wise clusters and villages
SN District Block Cluster 1 Village Cluster 2 Village
Sundargarh Rajgangpur Alanda Dudkabahal Jareikela Chandiposh

1
Sundargarh Kuaramunda Jhunmur Jhunmur Pratapur Sakambahal
Nuapada Komna Kandipada Lalbhata Darlipada Siletpani

2
Nuapada Boden Boden Chalanpada Litesarsargi Ghantiguda
Keonjhar Jhumpura Khuntapada Khuntapada Baliposhi Baliposhi

3
Keonjhar Sadar Kanurikala Kanurikala Bhadrapal Bhadrapal
Kandhamal Baliguda Barakhama Musukuli Bataguda P. Bataguda

4
Kandhamal Raikia Manikeswari Ramungia Gumamaha Gumamaha
Mayurbhanj Jashipur Manada Badasialnai Mahigad Singarpur

5
Mayurbhanj Bangiriposi Shamsundarpur Anlajodi Badagaon Panasadhia
Koraput Semiliguda Daleiguda Bileiguda Sadam Yubirajpeta

6
Koraput Boipariguda Kolar Kandhapada Daraguda Dadiapadar
Gajapati Mohana Baghamari Jalibadi Mamikpur Gobindapur

7
Gajapati R. Udayagiri Subala S.Gudisahi Tangili Tangii
Further, the Delhi and Bhubaneswar-based ⚫ The data collected was organized around
team members conducted key informant the key themes and research questions
interviews with stakeholders at the developed during the inception phase.
National and State level to understand
⚫ Based on the above framework analysis,
the constraints and needs, as well as their
we defined a long list of possible best
perspectives regarding millets mainstreaming
practices, lessons learned, case stories and
and the OMM program. A list of interviews
policy briefs.
conducted is provided in Annex 8.3.
⚫ Data triangulation, background research,
stakeholder interactions were used to
Phase III: Development of select the final topics for the knowledge
Knowledge Products and products and policy briefs.
⚫ These finalized topics were deep-dived into
Policy Briefs to develop a narrative of best practices and
Qualitative data analysis methods were lessons learned, an operational framework
employed to synthesize, analyze, and that is adaptable and scalable, case stories
triangulate the data collected – both primary and policy briefs.
and secondary. Some key tenets of our data
analysis methods are:

2. Background
Proso millet (Barre) and Browntop Millet. In

2.1 Desk Review
most developing countries, almost all kinds
Context of millets are consumed by humans 6. In
developed countries, they are primarily used
Nutritional insecurity is a serious threat to the
to feed animals.
world’s growing population as our food habits
are highly dependent on a micronutrient Finger millet (Mandia/Ragi) serves as the
deficient cereals-based diet. For millions of primary food for the rural population of
people in the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Southern India and East and Central Africa.
Africa, millets are an important staple food Proso millet (Barre) is a short-season crop,
item1. It has high productivity and a short cultivated in drier regions of Asia, Europe,
growing season under dry, hot climatic Australia, Africa, and North America. Barnyard
conditions2. They are nutritionally beneficial millet (Sanwa/Jhangaon), with a harvesting
as they contain high content of proteins, B- period of only six weeks, is the fastest growing
vitamins, essential amino acids, dietary fibers, among the millets. It is predominantly
minerals such as zinc, potassium, calcium, and cultivated in India, Korea, China, and Japan,
magnesium3. Millets are non-acid forming, for food and fodder. Kodo millet (Kodon) is
non-allergic, and easy to digest. domesticated in India around 3000 years ago
and is native to the tropical and sub-tropical
Millets are also known as next-generation
regions of South America. Little millet (Kutki)
crops for their climate-resilient nature.
was domesticated in the Eastern Ghats of
They are adaptive to a wide range of
India, occupying a major portion of diet
environmental conditions, have low nutrient
amongst the tribal people. The use of this
input requirements, minimum vulnerability to
grain spread to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and
ecological stresses, less reliance on synthetic
Nepal7.
fertilizers, low water requirement, better
growth, and productivity4. Finger, Foxtail, Kodo, Proso, Barnyard, and
Little Millets are categorized as ‘Small Millets.’
Millets are referred to as ‘small-seeded
These millets are grown with limited water
grasses.’ They are of nine varieties: Sorghum
resources and usually without fertilizers or
( Jowar)5, Pearl millet (Bajra), Finger millet
other inputs, therefore have preference over
(Mandia/Ragi), Little millet (Kutki), Kodo
other millets in terms of production and
millet (Kodon), Foxtail millet (Kangana/
consumption by small and marginal farmers.
Kakum), Barnyard millet (Sanwa/Jhangaon),
1
https://www.fao.org/3/t0818e/t0818e01.htm
2
Vinoth A, Ravindhran R. 2017. Biofortification in Millets: A Sustainable Approach for Nutritional Security. Frontiers in Plant
Science
3
Ibid.
4
BandyopadhyayTirthankar, MuthamilarasanMehanathan, Prasad Manoj. 2017. Millets for Next Generation Climate-Smart
Agriculture. Frontiers in Plant Science
5
In parentheses, Hindi vocabulary of millets are written.
6
BhaskarachryKandlakunta. 2017.Nutritional and Health Benefits of Millets. Research Gate
7
Vinoth A, Ravindhran R. 2017. Biofortification in Millets: A Sustainable Approach for Nutritional Security. Frontiers in Plant
Science

Benefits of Millets Century where we face depleting natural
resources and an era of climate change10.
Millets have a major contribution towards
sustainable agriculture and a healthy world.
In addition to providing nutritional security Millets in India
and food security, consuming millets regularly India is the largest producer and second-
reduces the risks of diabetes, heart disease; largest exporter of Millets globally and
improves the digestive system; increases accounts for about 80% of the global
immunity in respiratory health, lowers production of millet. India has more than
the risk of cancer; increases energy levels; 34% of the semi-arid lands (of the total area)
detoxifies the body, and improves muscular; suitable for harvesting millets. In terms of
and neural systems8. Millets can have a major hectares and total production, in India, millets
impact on improving iron status, hemoglobin are grown on about 17 million hectares with
Level, and reducing iron deficiency anemia, an annual production of 18 million tons and
demonstrating the potential nutritional impact contribute 10% to the country’s foodgrain
of millets9. As millets are climate-resilient crops basket11.
and sustainable income sources for farmers,
In India, India Finger millet (Ragi), Sorghum
they provide economic security. Millets are
( Jowar), Little millet (Kutki), Pearl millet
resilient crops with tolerance against extreme
(Bajara), and Proso millet (Barre) are produced
climatic stress including drought and flood
in 21 States including Rajasthan, Karnataka,
and can be considered ideal crops of the 21st
Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh,
Figure 3: Benefits of Millets
Food Security Climate Resilience

⚫ Sustainable ⚫ Resistant to climatic
Food source for stress, pets, and
combacting hunger disease
⚫ Better growth and ⚫ Low nutrient input
productivity requirement
Economic Security Nutritional Security Safety from Disease

⚫ Sustainable Nutrient ⚫ Rich in Micronutrient ⚫ Gluten Free
Source for Farmers ⚫ Rich in Bioactive ⚫ Can help to reduce
⚫ Low investment component anemia, calcium
needs for production ⚫ Better Amono Acid deficiency etc.
Profile
Source: Kumar et al. 2018. Millets: a solution to agrarian and nutritional challenges. Agriculture & Food Security
8
BhaskarachryKandlakunta. 2017. Nutritional and Health Benefits of Millets. Research Gate
9
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.725529/full
10
Goron TL, Raizada MN. 2015. Genetic diversity and genomic resources available for the small millet crops to accelerate a New
Green Revolution. Front Plant Sci.
11
B. Dayakar Rao, Raj Bhandari, and Tonapi, VA, K. (2021). White Paper on Millets – A Policy Note on Mainstreaming Millets for
Nutrition Security. ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR)

Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. Rajasthan and Gujarat. Similarly, Finger
Rajasthan is the largest millet-producing State. millet is a primary crop in Gujarat and Tamil
Nadu, while it is a minor crop in Telangana.
In each millet growing region, at least 4-5
Therefore, the production of Millets, either
species are produced either as a primary or
as a primary or allied crop, varies across the
allied crop with pulses, spices, oilseeds, and
country depending on the amount of rainfall
condiments12. For example, pearl millet is a
the region receives and growing habitat.
primary crop while sorghum is an allied crop
The table below gives an overview of millets
in the desert regions of Rajasthan. In contrast,
produced in India and the top 5 production
it is the opposite for the eastern parts of
states.
Table 3: Overview of millets in India
Type of Vernacular Major nutritional Top 5 production states
millets name composition per 100 gm. (production in lakh tones)
Pearl Bajra, Bajri, saija, Energy (361k.cal), CHO Rajasthan (42.83), Uttar Pradesh
millet Cumbu, Sajje (67.5g), Protein (11.6g), (13.02), Haryana (10.79), Gujarat
Calcium (42mg), Iron (8mg) (9.61), Maharashtra (6.62)
Sorghum Jowari, Juar, Energy (349k.cal), CHO Maharashtra (35.87), Karnataka
Jowari, Juar Jola, (72.6g), Protein (10.4g), (16.29), Madhya Pradesh (5.74),
Jondhla, Calcium(25mg), Iron (8 mg) Andhra Pradesh (4.36), Tamil Nadu
(2.14)
Finger Marwa, Nagli, Energy (328k.cal), CHO (72g), Karnataka (13.94), Uttarakhand
millet Bavto, Ragi, Protein (g), Calcium (mg), (1.93), Tamil Nadu (1.70),
Mandika, Iron (mg) Maharashtra (1.25), Andhra
Marwah Pradesh (.52)
Barnyard Syama, Sanwa, Energy (307k.cal), CHO Uttarakhand (.91), Arunachal
millet Oodalu (65.5g), Protein (6.2 g), Pradesh (.16), Nagaland (.14),
Calcium (20mg), Iron (5.0mg) Madhya Pradesh (0.12), Uttar
Pradesh (0.07)
Little Sama, Gajro; Kuri, Energy (341k.cal), CHO Madhya Pradesh (.37), Tamil
millet Kutki, Shavan, (67.0g), Protein (7.7 g), Nadu (0.32), Karnataka (0.20),
Same, Save Calcium (17mg), Iron (9.3 Chhattisgarh (0.12), Jharkhand (0.11)
mg)
Kodo Kodra, kodon, Energy (309k.cal), CHO Madhya Pradesh (0.50),
millet Harika, Varaku, (65.9g), Protein (8.3g), Chhattisgarh (0.17), Tamil Nadu
kodra, Kodua, Calcium (27mg), Iron (.5mg) (0.12) Maharashtra (0.08), Uttar
Arika, Varagu Pradesh (0.07)
Foxtail/ Kaon, Kang, Energy (331k.cal), CHO Andhra Pradesh (0.17), Karnataka
Italian Kakun, Kangni, (60.9g), Protein (12.3g), (0.14), Arunachal Pradesh (0.05),
millet Navane, Thena, Calcium (31mg), Iron (2.8mg) Maharashtra, Rajasthan (0.05)
Raja, Kangam
Proso Cheena, Cheno, Energy (341k.cal), CHO Maharashtra (0.17) Bihar (0.05)
millet Bari, Baragu, (70.4g), Protein (12.5g), Orissa, (0.01) Rajasthan (0.01) Tamil
Vari, Bachari, Calcium (14mg), Iron ( Nadu (0.004)
Panivaragu 0.8mg),
Source: Dhan Foundation and WASSAN. 2012. Supporting Millets in India, Policy Review and Suggestions for action:
Revalorizing Small Millets in Rainfed Regions of South Asia (RESMISA). Canadian International Development Agency
12
Spatial distribution of millets in India, 2011

The map given below shows the states that millets has significantly reduced in India over
produce major and minor millets. the last three decades. The major reason
for the decline is the inconveniences in food
National Policies on Millets preparation, lack of processing technologies,
and lack of awareness of nutritional
Millets provide health benefits and food
advantages along with the government’s
and fodder security to the agricultural
policy of disincentives towards millets and
communities of drylands. Despite numerous
subsidizing the production and prices of fine
health benefits, climate resilience, and high
cereals13. Additionally, a significant drop has
productivity, the direct consumption of
Figure 4: Major and Minor Millet Producing States in India
States Producing Both

Major & Minor Millets
States Producing
Only Minor Millets
States Producing
Only Major Millets
Data Unavailable
Source: B. Dayakar Rao, Raj Bhandari, and Tonapi, VA, K. (2021). White Paper on Millets – A Policy Note on
Mainstreaming Millets for Nutrition Security. ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR)
13
M. Uma Gowri* and K.M. Shivakumar. 2020. Millet Scenario in India. Economic Affairs

been seen in the production of Millets. The Industries (MoFPI) has launched a scheme
growth rate of millet area and production called PM Formalization of Micro Food
registered negative growth, i.e., area and Enterprises (PM FME). It provides technical,
production declined from 1950-51 at the rate financial, and business support for the up-
of 16.3% and 13.6% per year, respectively. In gradation of existing micro food processing
the same way, productivity declined up to enterprises through formalizing and
2005 after that; it showed growth (3.23%) 14. handholding. The scheme has adopted the
One District One Product (ODOP) approach.
To address the decline in production and
17 districts from 11 states were selected
consumption of millets, the Government of
for millet-based products18. In 2018, GoI
India (GoI) has made certain national-level
sent a proposal to the United Nations (UN)
policies15. In 2012, an Initiative for Nutritional
to declare 2023 as the ‘International year
Security through Intensive Millet Promotion
of Millets’ to promote supply and demand
(INSIMP) was launched to boost millet
of millets and to promote international
production and value-added processing. Later,
recognition of millets. In response, in 2021,
it merged with National Food Security Mission
the UN approved and declared 2023 as the
(NFSM) and spread across 182 districts16.
‘International Year of Millets’19. To encourage
In 2017, NITI Aayog released the National
millet consumption, GoI has included millets
Nutrition Strategy (NNS) for ‘Nourishing
as a ‘coarse cereal’ under Food Security Bill
India’ and recommended that the Ministry
as a policy intervention. In addition to the
of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare (MoAFW)
production and consumption of millets, certain
strengthen cereal productivity and production
types of millets need proper processing, an
diversity – including the production of ‘coarse’
organized seed distribution mechanism, and
cereals such as millets. In 2018, millets were
marketing. According to Vilas Tonapi, Director
officially declared as ‘Nutri-Cereals.’ GoI
of the Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), apart
has also launched the sub-mission on Nutri-
from finger millet and sorghum, other types
cereals under NFSM with an investment of
of millets need proper processing as they
Rs 300 Cr for 2018-1917. The year 2018 was
have tough seed coats. He further added that
India’s National Year of Millets to boost the
millet processing needs to be diversified20.
production of the nutrient-rich millets and
Additionally, a policy review 21 by Dhan
boost the agriculture industry involved in it.
Foundation and WASSAN, states that the lack
Sponsored by India and supported by more
of organized seed distribution mechanisms
than 70 countries, the U.N. General Assembly
to supply good quality seeds for small millet
adopted a resolution declaring 2023 as the
crops following farmers’ preferences is among
International Year of Millets.
the few major barriers to increase in millets
Promoting millets production under MSMEs, production and consumption. It further adds
in 2020, the Ministry of Food Processing that a state like Tamil Nadu has the National
Seed Multiplication Scheme22, which grants a
14
Ibid.
15
Table 1 provides the details of national level policies
16
17
Ibid.
18
Ibid.
19
Ibid.
20
India’s millets policy: is it headed in the right direction?. 2020. MONGABAY
21
Dhan Foundation and WASSAN. 2012. Supporting Millets in India, Policy Review and Suggestions for action: Revalorising Small
Millets in Rainfed Regions of South Asia (RESMISA). Canadian International Development Agency
22
Under this assistance, all farmers who produce and supply the seeds to the Department of Agriculture on Contract basis are
eligible to enroll and register their seed farms. Separate allocation will be provided to SC/ST seed growers and preference i s
given to farm women groups, Farmers Interest Groups.

premium of Rs 2 per kg above the government of 110 different groups and with a
procurement price to assist farmers to membership of 1,523 (985 men and 538
produce certified millet seed. women)24. The company’s idea is to upscale
business with varied strategies and to help
Other than Pearl, Finger, and Sorghum
farmers with sustainable management
millets, farmers and consumers need to
of their lands. In collaboration with M.
be encouraged and advocated towards the
S. Swaminathan Research Foundation
production and consumption of small millets.
(MSSRF), they are focusing on training
At present, there is a lack of policy to promote
young women, on millet cultivation and
small millets at the national level, but there are
processing. MSSRF is also designing
certain community interventions, listed below,
agroforestry orchards that include
to showcase the importance of small millets.
millets and nutritional cash crops. As an
1. Tamil Nadu, Namakkal District – In outcome, women of this village are now
the State, millets are known as ‘women food entrepreneurs actively involved in
crops’, as they are traditionally (and still) communities’ decision-making process25.
a women’s responsibility23. The Kolli Hills
2. Karnataka, Mandya and Mysore
Agro-Biodiversity Conservers Federation
Districts – The water shortage in the
(KHABCoFED) is a social enterprise
districts forced the farmers to look at
composed of farmers interest groups,
alternatives to replace irrigated crops
millets farmers, and self-help groups from
like paddy and sugarcane with millets
Kolli villages in the district, comprising
23
https://www.greenbrownblue.com/small-millets-case-study/
24
https://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Agricultural_King.pdf
25
https://www.greenbrownblue.com/small-millets-case-study/

during rabi season with the help of to buy/sell, (iii) sharing of information on
Sahaja Sumruddha, an organic producer government schemes, taxes, and new
company26. The experiment was successful developments, and (iv)sharing details
with record yield. The farmers found about upcoming events29.
that millets could grow with the moisture
While some national and state policies and
available in the soil after paddy harvest,
community-level interventions to promote
being low investment crops with maximum
production and consumption have been
returns27.
formulated, a national-level integrated
3. WhatsApp group for small millet policy framework for enhancing the supply
enterprises – DHAN Foundation is chain including the component of promoting
managing a WhatsApp group of 81 quality seed production in adequate quantity,
participants including entrepreneurs, distribution mechanism, processing, and
organic shop owners and supermarket marketing of all types of millets is still awaited.
owners from four states were interacting For the positive impact of these policies, all the
with each other28. The group acts as a concerned stakeholders need to be trained,
platform to communicate (i) product guided, and sensitized by the central ministry
introduction, (ii) expression of interest or State governments.
Table 4: National Level Policies
National Millet Policies
Supply Side Support
Policy Description Relevance to Millet
Initiative for INSIMP was an integrated scheme INSIMP is now merged with National
Nutritional to boost millet production and Food Security Mission (NFSM), and
Security value-added processing. The millets are covered under NFSM-coarse
through scheme covered several activities, cereals, implemented in 182 districts
Intensive including raising awareness, across all states. The costs incurred
Millets demonstrating new technology, under the scheme are shared by the
Promotion farm mechanization and other center and states in the ratio of 60:40
(INSIMP) initiatives, including setting up
processing capacity.
Rainfed Area RADP was launched during the RADP provides a subsidy on inputs
Development year 2011- 2012 as a sub-scheme (such as seeds, fertilizer, and manure)
Program of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana for Recommended Cropping Systems
(RADP) (RKVY) to address the needs of (RCS) and millets-based crops are
rainfed areas. It assists farmers eligible for subsidy. RADP does not
in improving the productivity of provide any incentives to set up millet-
existing cropping patterns and in based enterprises
diversifying production.
26
Return of the forgotten crop – Brown top millet. LEISA INDIA
27
Ibid.
28
Mr. M. Karthikeyan, and Dr Vijaya Raghavan. 2018 Scaling up Small Millet Post-harvest and Nutritious Food Products Project
Dhan Foundation and McGill University.
29
Ibid.

National Millet Policies
Supply Side Support
Policy Description Relevance to Millet
Crop insurance Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima PMFBY provides subsidized premium
scheme Yojana (PMFBY) was started in rates for specified crops, including
2016. The objective is to provide major millets. The scheme is not
insurance coverage and financial available for small millets as the
support to farmers in the event database on inputs required for crop
of crop failure because of natural loss calculation is not readily available.
calamities, pests, and diseases
PM To provide technical, financial, Total 17 districts from 11 states were

Formalization and business support for the up- selected for millet-based products.
of Micro Food gradation of existing micro food Maharashtra is most proactive with
Enterprises (PM processing enterprises through three millet districts followed by
FME) formalizing and handholding. Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu,
The scheme has adopted the and Telangana.
One District One Product (ODOP)
approach.
NITI Aayog- For ‘Nourishing India’ and Millets officially declared as ‘Nutri-
National recommends that the MoAFW Cereals.’ GoI has also launched the sub-
Nutrition strengthen cereal productivity mission on Nutri-cereals under NFSM
Strategy (NNS) and production diversity– with an outlay of Rs 300 Cr for 2018-19.
including the production of
‘coarse’ cereals such as millets.
Demand Side Support
Inclusion of The National Food Security Act, The Act holds promise for augmenting
coarse cereals 2013 (also known as the Right to millet demand as a distribution under
under Food Food Act), governs the framework PDS can lead to a significant increase in
Security Bill of distribution of subsidized its consumption
grains under PDS and government
welfare schemes
Mission Millet The Government of India is Aimed to boost millet processing by

planning to launch Mission Millet- making standardized millet processing
A comprehensive scheme for machinery available to entrepreneurs
promoting millets.
Source: Dhan Foundation and Ministry of Food Processing. 2018. Comprehensive Support Package for MSME’s in
Millet sector – A Policy Study

NITI Aayog has recognized the efforts of the sessions for retailers, marketers, and traders
Odisha State Government for designing and have also been organized in different millet
implementing an impactful initiative, Odisha production districts like Tumkur, Mysore,
Millet Mission, to encourage the production Hassan, Kolar, and Bangalore. These events
and consumption of millets across the State helped entrepreneurs, and they found fares
and nationally. GoI has also recommended useful in gaining access to large distributors,
the Odisha Millet Mission as the model millet corporates, and supermarkets. The State
promotion project to other States. government has also introduced Karnataka
Agri-Business and Food Processing policy
Millet Policy in States other than 2015 to promote millet processing industries,
Odisha including grain milling and value-added
products. This policy has two components
Few states like Karnataka have a policy
– subsidy to promote investment and to
around millet promotion, and the State
upgrade technology.
government is committed to incentivizing
millet growing farmers. On the other hand, Apart from the above, the Farmers Producers
the State governments of Maharashtra and Groups have formed a Producer company
Chhattisgarh, do not have comprehensive named Sahaja Samrudha. This company
millet policies. However, they intend to study has established organic network outlets in
OMM and explore the possibility of replication different parts of the State, i.e., Bangalore,
due to its potential and impact. Shimoga, Mysore, Davangere, Tumkur,
Channapatna, and Dharwad districts. This
Karnataka: It is among India’s highest millet
company has ensured a complete value-chain
growing States, where farmers from 14 Taluks
of millets procurement, including marketing,
of 8 districts are extensively producing millets.
eco-friendly packaging, distribution, quality
As per the Karnataka agriculture department
maintenance, and ensuring clientele
data, the total cultivated area for major
management.
millets has gone up by around 10% or 1.8
lakh hectares in the year 2018-1930. Karnataka A study32 - The Karnataka Agriculture Price
government has introduced millets in their Commission, chaired by Hanumanagouda
PDS and started procuring millets in 2014 with Belagurki, was conducted by the Karnataka
an MSP of Rs.1500 per quintal 31. It went up to Agriculture Price Commission on procurement
Rs.2250 per quintal in 2016. The government and involvement of millets under PDS.
dis-incentivized the cultivation of paddy by The study recommended that the State
stopping the distribution of paddy seeds. The government include millets in the midday meal
state government is also organizing three days scheme to encourage farmers and provide
of trade fairs (conferences, panel discussions, nutritious food to schoolchildren and include
Business to Business (B2B) meetings, culinary them in the food kits provided to pregnant
demonstrations, training sessions, etc.) to women and lactating mothers. The study
complete the value chain by bringing the entire also suggests announcing the MSP of millets
millet stakeholders and consumers together. of Rs 4,500-5,000 per quintal, considering
the production cost. It further adds that the
In the year 2018, the State government has
millet distributed under PDS should be directly
widely organized roadshows in India and
procured from farmers in the State. Currently,
abroad. Mini fares, press meets, orientation
30
Karnataka pushes for cultivation of millets, organic crops, 2018: Livemint
31
Karnataka’s efforts put millets on global map. 2021. The Indian Express
32
Source millets for PDS from local farmers: Panel. 2021. The Indian Express

unlike Odisha, Karnataka does not have a in other parts of the State. Starting 2021,
decentralized millet procurement process. the State government has announced MSP
for Kodo-Kutki to help the tribals and other
Maharashtra: A report by the Indian School
farmers of the State35. The State’s Forest
of Business observed that about 59% of
Produce Federation has signed an MoU with
preschool children, 61% of adolescent girls,
the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR)
76% of pregnant women, and 73% of lactating
for better processing of Kodo-Kutki (minor
mothers in Maharashtra suffer from anemia
millets). The procurement will be done through
because of insufficient nutritional intake33.
Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce
As millets are rich in beta-carotene and B
Association (SMFPA) and will be sold under the
vitamins, especially riboflavin, niacin, and folic
‘Chhattisgarh Herbals’ brand name.
acid, the Government of Maharashtra has
intended to promote millet cultivation through As per the National Agriculture Innovation
its Pragati Abhiyaan drive. Project Report by the Indian Council of
Agriculture Research, several innovations
Under Pragati Abhiyaan, the knowledge and
like Public-Private Partnership wherein group
skills of millet growing farmers are being
farming, line sowing of millets through
upgraded to enhance their productivity so that
Patela/ Patta with tines and modified country
they will get better returns on their produce.
plough, village seed bank, modification of rice
As millets are being grown in tribal regions,
hullers for milling Kodo millets, innovation
the government has decided to encourage the
in marketing, mid-day meal as healthy food,
tribal people to grow Jowar, Bajra and Ragi to
popularization, and publicity, etc. have been
cover 2000 farmers of 50 villages like Thane,
taken up for the promotion of small millets in
Palghar, Raigad and Nashik so that they can
Bastar regions of Chhattisgarh. On the other
cultivate millet in 2000 acres34. In addition
hand, the National Institute of Women, Child,
to this, the State-tribal department has also
and Youth Development (NIWCYD), a non-
ensured a convergence approach to revive
profit headquartered in Nagpur, has begun
millets and finger millets in the areas under
work with over 500 farmers in eight villages
PESA (Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled
of Pendra district to grow millets on at least
Areas Act, 1996) through the national
0.2 hectares each36. The State does not have
employment act MGNREGA.
a specific initiative to promote the production
Despite being one of the highest millet- and marketing of millets and therefore the
producing states, Maharashtra lacks a State government has been asked to study the
comprehensive program to promote the framework of OMM to develop a similar model
production and consumption of millets. for Chhattisgarh.
Therefore, the State government has
While other high Millets producing States like
constituted an expert committee to explore
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya
and understand the Odisha Millets Mission.
Pradesh have the intent of mainstreaming
Chhattisgarh: The Kodo and Kutki millets millets, they are yet to launch dedicated
are grown mostly by tribals of Bastar and schemes for the same.
33
Malnutrition stuck Maharashtra turns to millet to enrich tribal health, lifestyle. 2019. DNA India
34
Ibid.
35
Chhattisgarh to announce minimum support prices for kodo-kutki millets. 2021. The Hindustan Times
36
Millet magic: Kodo and Kutki calling in Chhattisgarh. 2021. Gaon Connection

2.2 Odisha Millet Mission: ⚫ Documenting OMM’s bottom-up
participatory approach to mobilize
Assessment of the Journey farmers and households for improving
World Food Program, India signed an MoU with production and consumption respectively
Odisha Millet Mission for informing national, and experiences/processes of OMM’s
regional and global policy dialogues on Millets integration in social safety-nets
as climate adaptable nutri-cereal for sustainable
⚫ Identification and assessment of
food and nutrition security and advancement
scalable and new approaches, good
of South-South Cooperation. Through this
assignment, documentation of key achievements
practices and lessons learned; reviewing
by OMM, the operational model followed, plans, existing challenges and barriers to
and lessons learned since its launch to inform sustainability; and understanding
future program undertakings and replication by perceived gaps based on the stakeholder
other States is being undertaken. interactions. This will be backed up by case
stories and testimonies of change, where
The objectives of this assessment were to review,
needed (with photographs)
extract and document the lessons learned
and best practices of the OMM experience and ⚫ Reviewing National and State level
develop a range of knowledge products. The policies, initiatives challenges and
specific objectives are: gaps related to Millets, specifically by
studying States like Karnataka (with
⚫ Understanding OMM’s objectives, its
similar models) or Maharashtra and
components, journey, and current
Chhattisgarh (shown interest in Millets).
program delivery mechanism
⚫ Identify geographies similar in context
⚫ Analyzing OMM’s program design
for possible replication and suggest
& implementation, budgetary
potential policy options, approaches and
allocations, departmental convergence,
recommendations aligned with national
partnerships, and capacity development
and global expansion objectives
to recommend a scalable operational
model The subsequent chapters analyze these aspects
in detail.
⚫ Assessment of the end-to-end value
chain interventions under OMM i.e.
production, processing, marketing, and
consumption stage

3. OMM’s Operational Model
Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) Network organized

3.1 Overview and objective
a multi-stakeholder consultation to evolve
Millets are part of the traditional staple diet a strategy for revival of millets in Odisha.
and crop systems in Odisha supplementing After multiple rounds of discussions around
the nutritional needs of the communities, the need to revive the traditionally grown
especially in the rainfed regions (66% of crops, Honorable Minister of Finance, Shri
Odisha’s total cultivated area37). The conscious Pradip Kumar Amat in the budget speech of
pursuit of an agricultural policy since the 1960s 2016-2017, declared the launch of a “Special
to meet national food security with paddy and Program on Promotion of Millets-Odisha Millet
wheat has led to a decline in millet production Mission”.
and consumption. Millets were not the focus
crops in the food security framework of the Odisha Millet Mission (OMM) is a flagship
green revolution38. Millets have been providing program launched in 2017 by the Department
the necessary diet-diversity and nutritional of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment,
security for generations in the drought- Government of Odisha. It became the first of
prone uplands in districts inhabited by tribal its kind agriculture initiative with a vision to
communities. But there has been little support increase nutritious, rich millets in Odisha and
to incentivize the production, processing, to revive millets in farms and on plates. The
marketing, or consumption of millets. program has also aimed to tackle malnutrition
by introducing millets in the Public Distribution
To address the issue of decline in millet System (PDS) and other State nutrition
production and consumption, the Planning schemes like Ragi Laddu in Integrated Child
& Convergence Department, Government of Development Services (ICDS).
Odisha, and Nabakrushna Chaudhury Centre
for Development Studies (NCDS) in partnership It has a unique architecture, led by three
with Revitalizing Rainfed Agriculture (RRA) partner organizations: Government of Odisha,
Network and Alliance for Sustainable and NCDS, and WASSAN:
Agency Role
⚫ Multi-departmental High-Power Committee led by Development

Commissioner, Government of Odisha.
Government of ⚫ 3 Level selection process: Application > Presentation > Field verification
Odisha ⚫ Policymaking, Meticulous development of guidelines, implementation,
and monitoring.
⚫ Involvement of all stakeholders in a participatory approach.
Nabakrushna ⚫ State/District level consultations.

Choudhury Centre
⚫ Real-time policy recommendations.
for Development
Studies (NCDS)
37
https://agriodisha.nic.in/Home/StatusofAgriculture
38
Annual Report OMM 2017-18

Agency Role
⚫ National/International partnerships: Transforming India’s Green

Revolution by Research to Empower Sustainable Food Supplies
(TIGR2ESS) with Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) & Central Food
Technological Research Institute (CFTIR)
Watershed ⚫ Inputs in the design of the program and bridge the field level gaps.
Support Services ⚫ Actively daily follow up.
and Activities ⚫ Capacity building with the involvement of facilitating agencies.
Network ⚫ Annual and monthly participatory implementation plan.
(WASSAN) ⚫ Support to departmental agencies and coordination.
Program Areas: The program is designed with enterprises, in addition to increasing

a block as a program unit. The program was productivity by promotion of improved
initiated in 72 Blocks with a significant tribal agronomic practices through organic inputs.
population spreading across 14 districts of
In 2016, the following objectives were planned
Odisha. In 2021,out of 30 districts of the State,
under Special Program for Millets in Tribal
15 are covered under OMM composed of 84
Areas of Odisha later called OMM:
blocks, 1,510 Gram Panchayats (GPs), 15,608
villages, and 1,10,448 farmers39. Expansion of 1. Increasing household consumption
OMM to a further 60-65 blocks is currently on- of millets by about 25% to enhance
going40. household nutrition security and to create
demand for millets with a focus on women
The mechanism for identification of
and children.
Households: The project is implemented
in tribal areas and contiguous habitations 2. Promoting millet processing enterprises of
intensely. The predominance of tribal Gram Panchayats and Block level to ease
population, previous history of millets processing at households and for value-
consumption, and farming is a significant added markets
criterion for choosing the contiguous patches.
On the consumption part, the program 3. Improving productivity of millets crop
works with all households. The processing systems and making them profitable
enterprises have a special focus on Women 4. Developing millet enterprises and
Tribal Entrepreneurs. establishing market linkages to rural/
urban markets with a focus on women
Objectives entrepreneurs
Odisha Millets Mission envisages reviving
5. Inclusion of millets in State nutrition
millets in farms and on plates in the tribal
program (SNP) and public distribution
areas of the State with a specific focus
system (PDS)
on women empowerment. The program
intended to promote processing and business To achieve these objectives the mission
tested and deployed several methods like
39
http://www.milletsodisha.com/about-program
40
Workshop Proceeding Report, Annex 8.2

setting up Community Seed Centers with (SHGs), Market Linkages and value addition,
Participatory Varietal Trials of local landraces and Improved Agronomy in Millet Crops over
at each Block, setting up of Processing Units 1000 Ha per block with the use of technologies
at GP & Block level & Custom Hiring Centers like System of Millet Intensification (SMI), Line
at the cluster level, led the inclusion of millets Transplanting and Line Sowing.
in SNP-ICDS, Mid-Day Meal (MDM) & PDS,
The Theory of Change in Figure 5 describes
organized consumption Campaign at Village,
overall framework of followed by the mission.
Block, Dist. & State level with Self Help Groups
Figure 5: Theory of Change
Theory of COMPONENTS ACTIVITIES OUTCOMES IMPACT

Change
Direct
Incentives
BARRIERS Increased acreage
Policy MSP# of millets
Inclusion in
Perception of Millets as SSN ##
“Poor People’s Food”
Community Reviving Millets in

Seed System Farms and on
Lack of Processing Plates in Odisha
Agronomic
technology & challenges Improved
Practices
in food preparation Production productivity of
Protective millet crops
Irrigation
Field Day
Reduced acreage and
high competition with
paddy and wheat
Empowering
Custom Hiring Creating a range tribal
Farm Centre of value-added communities
Mechanisation Financial millet products and women
Enablers Support
Climate-resilient and CRP* Set-up of

adaptive crops with Specialist HR decentralised millet
low water requirement Cadre processing units
FPO**
Government of India
and State Government’s Financial Promoting Farmers
intent to mainstream Enterprise for Support Collectives and
Marketing
value addition Training &
Exposure
High nutrition
value of millets
Trainings
Increasing
Campaigns consumption of # Minimum Support Price
& Videos millets in urban and
Consumption ## Social Safety Net
rural areas * Community Resource Person
Multi-Stakeholder Outlets ** Farmer Producer Organisation
Partnership
Start-up
Capital

at Rs 3295.00 only per quintal conforming to
3.2 Components
Fair Average Quality (FAQ) norms for Kharif
Policy Marketing Season (KMS) 2020-21. The state
government has set the target of 1, 60,000
Direct Incentives quintals for KMS-2020 for 14 Ragi growing
OMM has been promoting improved districts. Tribal Development Cooperative
agronomic practices for improvement in Corporation of Odisha Ltd (TDCCOL) shall
quality and diversity of millet seeds as well as procure Ragi within the approved target
higher productivity and incomes from millets. mentioned. The target may be revised after
Thus, a monetary incentive is transferred to the proposal of the Collector & District
farmers’ accounts on the completion of the Magistrate. However, as an achievement, the
following practices: Odisha Millet Mission crossed the target and
procured 2,00,000 quintals of Ragi under KMS-
1. Application of adequate quantity of 2020.
farmyard manure, compost, etc. for soil
health Ragi is procured from the farmers at the rate
of five (5) quintals per Hectare (2 quintals per
2. Seed treatment as prevention from acre). If required, this may be revised based
diseases and pests and to enhance purity on an assessment of crop yield by the CDAO
and yield of the districts and approvals by the Collector
3. Improved agronomic practices like and District Magistrate.
System of Millet Intensification (SMI), Line Ragi (Finger Millet) - Major Produce: In
Transplanting (LT), and Line Sowing (LS) Odisha, out of 47,190 ha cultivated land, 86%
4. Use of organic preparations for disease of the land is occupied by Ragi 42. Ragi is the
and pest management most produced millet in Odisha since 2010-
11 as shown in table 5. It is considered to be
These practices are promoted by the provision the staple food among tribal communities
of hand-holding support by CRPs at the of Odisha. It is a Kharif crop, sown between
village level. Local NGOs acting as facilitating May and August and harvested between
agencies monitor the work. On the successful September and January. It requires less
completion of all the activities, an amount of harvesting time and gets matured within 3 to
Rs. 5000 per ha for SMI and Rs. 2500 per ha 5 months. The table 5 also shows that in the
for LT and LS is provided to farmers via the year 2018-19, after the launch of OMM, apart
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) route in the first from ragi, bajra, sorghum, and small millet’s
year. Farmers are eligible to receive incentives area, production, and therefore yield has also
for three years. In the next two years Rs 3000 increased.
and Rs 1500 per ha are provided under SMI
and Rs 1500 and Rs 1000 are provided under However, favoring one species over the other
LT/LS to farmers41. can risk a loss of biodiversity. As stated by a
WASSAN member, “Ragi corners 90% of the
millet market in Odisha as it is included in PDS.
Minimum Support Price for Ragi
Unless we adopt better policies and practices,
The Government of India has announced we face the danger of losing the rich diversity
the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Ragi of minor millets that still exists in India.”43.
41
Odisha Millet Mission- Taking millets to millions, Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Odisha, 2019
42
B. Dayakar Rao, Raj Bhandari, and Tonapi, VA, K. (2021). White Paper on Millets – A Policy Note on
Mainstreaming Millets for Nutrition Security. ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR)
43
Bindu Mohanty. 2020.Odisha millet mission: the successes and the challenges. Food and Water

Table 5: Area, Production, Yield of different millets from 2010-11 to 2019-20
Types of 2010- 2011- 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015- 2016- 2017- 2018- 2019-
Millets 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Area (in'
3.34 3.09 2.84 3.03 2.35 2.11 1.84 1.76 2.16 1.87
000 ha.)
Pearl
Production
Millet 2.07 1.90 1.73 1.85 1.44 1.29 1.13 1.09 1.34 1.16
(000 Tones)
(Bajra)
Yield (in
620 615 610 611 613 611 614 619 620 620
Kg/ha.)
Area (in'
179.4 169.2 172.9 165.8 158.2 147.2 138.3 114.3 117.8 116.8
000 ha.)
Finger
Millet Production
147.3 151.4 149.2 143.7 137.3 127.6 120.9 100.5 104.9 128.7
(Ragi) (000 Tones)
Yield (in
821 895 863 867 836 867 874 880 890 1102
Kg/ha.)
Area (in'
8.90 8.63 7.83 7.46 6.69 6.21 5.47 5.62 7.19 5.81
000 ha.)
Sorghum Production
5.35 5.44 4.89 4.66 4.19 3.89 3.44 3.55 4.56 3.68
( Jowar) (000 Tones)
Yield (in
601 640 624 625 626 626 629 632 634 633
Kg/ha.)
Area (in'
15.75 17.20 17.38 19.32 20.78 25.35 27.41 29.18 32.78 32.87
000 ha.)
Small Production
7.28 8.95 8.86 9.7 10.45 12.70 13.84 14.94 16.98 16.99
Millet (000 Tones)
Yield (in
462 520 510 502 503 501 505 512 518 517
Kg/ha.)
Source: 5 decades of Odisha agriculture statistics. 2020. Directorate of agriculture and food production, Odisha
The major reason for the high production MSP for ragi in India in 2019-20 was Rs 3150
of ragi is policy intervention of including per quintal. On similar lines in Odisha in the
and distributing ragi. Apart from policy year 2019–20, 94,745 quintals of millets at
intervention, there are three other reasons Rs. 3148 per quintal from 20,328 farmers
for high ragi cultivation; First, the government has been procured44. Tribal Development
has fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP) only Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Limited
for Ragi out of all other millets. Secondly, only (TDCCOL) has been selected as a State
ragi can be procured at the local mandi, and procurement agency. Millet Procurement
lastly, ragi is the traditional food for the natives Automation System (M-PAS) is developed on
of Odisha, therefore it is included in PDS. The the lines of paddy procurement to ease farmer
procurement and consumption of Ragi are registration and operations45.
high as compared to other millets. Farmers
cultivate other millets for their household
consumption only.
44
45
Annual Report. 2018-19. Odisha Millet Mission

Figure 6: Process of farmer registration and payment using MPAS
PACS/LAMPCS Authentication of Updating of the Payment

digitizes the Farmer land records by corrections & changes Transferred farmer
registration form in Bhulekh database & of verification by in 72 hrs from the
M-PAS Portal concerned RIs District Officials day of sale to mandi
Farmer
District Officials
Farmers fill up Completion of Farmer
generate RI/AAO wise & Surplus Generation
Registration form & Verification by RI/AAO
Bank wise reports for (Mandi Wise)
submit at and Bank Managers
land and bank account
PACS/LAMPCS from records
verification
M-PAS: One of the initiatives under Odisha to their central warehouse at the district level.
Millet Mission, like the Paddy Procurement
The government of Odisha has a decentralized
Automation System (P-PAS), is the online
approach to PDS, where grains are procured,
registration of farmers to procure millets. The
processed, and distributed within the district.
registration process follows seven steps; first
Therefore, the procured ragi goes to the FS &
- the farmer needs to fill the registration form,
CW department for PDS. The procured gains
then LAMPCS/ PACS uploads the registration
are then sent to the Fair Price Shops (FPSs)
form on the M-PAS portal. After that, district
as per the demand and beneficiary lists,
officials verify the land and back account,
followed by the distribution of ragi to eligible
followed by authentication of land records by
beneficiaries. As a policy, stated by a WASSAN
Bhulekh database & concerned RIs; if some
State coordinator, all the districts are provided
changes come up during verification, data
1.5 kilograms ragi per person (out of the five kg
officials update the portal. Lastly, the surplus is
per person entitlement) through PDS to ration
generated (mandi wise), and then the procured
card holders under National Food Security
millet is sold at the mandi. The payment gets
Act46. However, local NGOs mentioned that
transferred to the farmer in 72 hours only
only 1 Kg of Ragi was provided per household.
from the sale to the mandi. As per the 2018-19
annual report, 25,000 farmers are registered On the other hand, TDCCOL supplies the
on the portal. procured ragi to the child development project
officer, sends the ragi to the Self-help groups
Inclusion in Social Safety Net (SHGs) to make ragi laddu, as Ragi laddus are
Ragi is procured and distributed to the considered as the major source of nutrition.
Department of Women and Child Development After making laddus SHG’s provide the laddus
(DWCD) and Food Supply and Consumer to the Anganwadi centers to incorporate in
Welfare (FS & CW) Department. Farmers bring the ration for children. In two districts, namely
ragi to the procurement center. TDCCOL does Keonjhar and Sundergarh, 1.57 Lakh children
the procurement, and the procured ragi goes are covered by the ragi laddu initiative47.
46
Chinmayi Shalya. 2020. Odisha set to introduce locally produced millets into ICDS, PDS. Down to Earth.
47 Dinesh Balam. 2021.Odisha Millets Mission and WASSAN. Millet Mission Odisha.

Farmers bring Ragi to the
Procurement Centre
Procured Ragi goes to TDCCOL

Central Godown at District Level
Child Development Civil Supplies

Project Officer for ICDS Officer for PDS
To SHGs for Laddu Making Fair Price Shop
Distributed to eligible
To Anganwadis
Beneficiaries
through Participatory Varietal Trial (PVT)

Production
within the block.
Community Seed Centers 2. Mass selection of the farmer preferred
The program intends to establish a local landraces.
decentralized seed system managed by the
farmers’-based organizations that produce and 3. Development of pool of local seed
producers for quality seed production.
supply quality landraces or varieties of millets
and other crops suitable for their locality 4. Establishment of community seed center
well in time to the farmers. This seed system
explores the possibility of supplying quality 5. Processing, storage, management,
seeds to programs such as OMM, ATMA, distribution, and maintenance of the
PKVY, Odisha Organic Mission, and farmers. seeds.
In the long run, the purpose of a community- Community Seed Centre (CSC) is implemented
managed seed system is to cater demand-
by a CBO of OMM. It runs as a business
driven seed supply to local farmers with less enterprise and is responsible for producing,
dependent on government subsidies/traders. supplying, and selling quality seed. The
One seed center and three seasonal sub- Seed Centers are linked to relevant research
centers within the block. In brief, the process stations for selection, purification and
involves- multiplication of elite performing local
varieties48.
1. Selection of suitable seeds from different
indigenous landraces/varieties of millets
48
http://www.milletsodisha.com/about-program

Agronomic Practices documentation in the program area. The rest
50% incentive is transferred electronically to
OMM is providing an incentive to farmers for
the farmer’s bank account by the PD ATMA
adopting the following agronomic practices in
after obtaining the field verification report.
millets:
1. System of Millet Intensification (SMI) Protective Irrigation

2. Line Transplantation in millets (LT) Patches of 4 to 10 Ha are selected in villages
3. Line Sowing including intercropping in /GPs requiring protective irrigation for the
millets (LS) millet crops. Criteria for selection of land
under protective irrigation for the millet crop
In addition, seed treatment, manuring, the
addition of organic matter, maintaining 1. It should be a continuous/contiguous patch
adequate plant population and weeding are covering adjacent clusters/villages
carried out. The program secretariat (WASSAN) 2. Patches nearest to the existing water
makes regular field visit and monitor the sources shall be preferred.
technology and ensure coverage of SMI, LT,
LS, IC in a farmer’s field as per the assigned 3. Patches, where farmers are willing to share
additional resources, will be preferred.
target for each block. The marker and cycle
weeder can be utilized hiring of same from 4. Farmers should agree to cultivate millets.
Custom Hiring Centre (CHC). Any farmer in the 5. Patches for seed production for millets will
block is eligible for an incentive under OMM. In be given preference.
the tribal sub-plan blocks, at least 51% of the
Financial Support for Site-Specific Protective
farmers shall be from ST& SC communities.
Irrigation Infrastructure (SSPII) is given such
A farmer must take up improved agronomic
as farm ponds, Community Lift Irrigation,
practices in a minimum of 0.2 ha. and incentive
Pipeline grid with Sprinklers, Solar Pumps,
is permitted a maximum of up to 2 ha. per
Electric Pumps, PVC pipeline/HDPE Pipes, etc.
farmer. The FA with the support of CBO/VAW/
as per need to prevent millets crop failures
AO selects the feasible cluster in consultation
during dry spells. Infrastructure needs are
with the farmers and prepares the tentative
assessed based on the field report of FA and
beneficiary list and submits it to the AAO/BAO.
assessments report by Program Secretariat/
FA organizes the training program on Block AAO/BAO with support from a technical
agronomic practices for the selected farmers. person. In addition, water-carrying pipes,
The farmers with the guidance of CRP/FA/ sprinklers, etc are provided to mitigate the risk
VAW/AO/AAO/BAO and DPC adopt different of dry spells.
agronomic practices for different millet
The DPRs are prepared for different feasible
crops. After sowing or transplanting a joint
patches with support of the AAE/Asst Ex
field verification is taken up by FA with AAO/
Engg/Engg of water resource (WR) dept. as
BAO or his representative to prepare a final
per the government scheme norms. Program
beneficiary list. After receipt of the beneficiary
Secretariat coordinates with the other
list with a verified certificate of AAO/BAO on
departments in the development of the DPR.
coverage of area under different agronomic
Funds are sanctioned as per the estimate
practices, 50%of incentive will be released by
and due approval of the DPR by the District
PD ATMA to the farmers within 15 days.
Collector cum Chairman ATMA. The farm
Field verifications are conducted to the extent ponds may be excavated by converging with
of 100% by VAW/AO, 50% by AAO/BAO, 10% by MNERGA. The list of feasible farm ponds to
DAO, and 5% by DDA/Scheme officer within be excavated through MGNREGA is prepared
two months of transplanting/sowing. The DPC by CBO/FA. The list with the recommendation
coordinates the timely field visit and proper of AAO is sent to BDO for action. The Asst.

Agriculture Engineer supervises the area implements, and equipment meant for custom
and gives suitable specifications of the solar hiring by farmers. The main objective of CHC is
pumps/electric pumps, HDPE pipes/PVC to supply farm implements to small, marginal,
pipes/Sprinklers. The PD, ATMA purchases and poor farmers at subsidized rates on hire.
the materials from the empaneled suppliers The custom hiring Center will be hosted by
of Agril Dept. on SLPC approved rate (if any), the CBO under OMM at the GP level. Each CHC
otherwise due tender process is followed. The in turn has a maximum of seven sub-centers
materials so purchased are installed on the at cluster /near the millet cropping area. The
project site or handed over to CBO/FPO. selection of sub-centers will be based on the
need. If more sub-centers are not required,
Field Day then they will be merged into a few with
more numbers of need-based implements/
Field day is conducted during the Kharif
machinery. The geographical situation,
harvesting season and Rabi harvesting season
distance from the clusters, convenience of
by the facilitating agency. Crop cutting as per
farmers, and availability of storage space are
standard procedure is carried out in presence
the criteria for deciding the number of sub-
of at least one person from the agriculture
centers. Following are the criteria for sub-
dept (VAW/ AO/ Statistical Asst/AAO/BAO/DAO/
centers of CHC.
DDA) or Directorate of Economics and Statistic
during the field-day. The dry grain weight 1. Sub centers may be anchored by the local
from the crop cutting area of 5mt*5mtis taken SHG/Farmer Groups at the village level
and documented with the token signature
2. Sub centers shall be near to the millet
of the dept. staff attending the crop cutting.
program clusters
Following are the participants in the field day:
3. Sub centers shall with the CBO of Main
1. Farmers from the nearby/potential villages CHC of the Odisha Millets Mission
for area expansion
Financial Support- Rs 1 lakh per CHC has
2. DDA/DAO/AAO/BAO/AO/ VAW been provisioned which can be used towards
3. FA Representative the rent of the CHC @ Rs. 1000/Month while
the remaining Rs 88,000/- can be utilized for
4. Program Secretariat representative
the purchase of the farm implements as per
5. Statistics representative (Invitees) local needs with approval of DDA cum PD,
6. PRI members (Invitees) ATMA, or The Director, Agriculture & Food
Field day can have participation from a Production, Odisha.
maximum of 50 people. Progressive farmers
and other participants also share their Specialist Human Resource
experiences on the benefits of improved
agronomic practices. A provision of Rs.3000 Cadre
per field day is made by the State government.
The number of field days to be conducted by
Community Resource Person
facilitating agencies is approved in the Annual Community resource persons play a key role
action plan each year and funds are released in the implementation of the activities through
to FAs by CDAO. farmers and CBO interface at ground level.
The CRPs are identified by CBO and FA from
the farming community where the project is
Farm Mechanisation implemented. The CRP should read, write local
language/ Odia with good communication and
Custom Hiring Centre
motivation skills. The CRP should have her/ his
Custom Hiring Centers (CHC) are a unit mobility.
comprising a set of farm machinery,

The primary role of CRP involves, uploading person days duly approved by both the CBO,
the data and images on the mobile app. After certified by FA. AAO/BAO/VAW shall also
primary identification, they are verified by the monitor the work of CRPs time and again.
Program Secretariat and VAW/AO and finally Finally, the payment is done by CBO on
selected by FA in consultation with AAO/BAO. monthly basis through bank account transfer
Program Secretariat provides smartphones after verification of work register.
to CBO for exclusive use by CRPs for data
collection and upload related to the program. Farmer Producer Organizations
CBO can engage no of CRPS as per approved
OMM envisages forming of Farmers’ Producer
person-days in budget and work required in
Organizations in each block, in which both
the year. The CRPs and progressive farmers
men and women can be a part of FPOs.
are provided two days of residential training
These FPO’s are expected to be farmer-led
by FA on all the activities to be conducted by
bodies to ensure improvement of production,
CRPs.
productivity, direct linkages for higher value
Following are the main activities of CRP: realization for the millet farmers and takeup
some welfare activities directly.
1. Demonstrating good agronomic Practices
as recommended by the program This aims to achieve the following objectives:
Secretariat and FA
1. The FPOs successfully deal with challenges
2. Facilitating the Seed Management System and constraints that confront farmers
3. Facilitating the custom hiring center by leveraging collective strength and
bargaining power to access financial
4. Support to FA on different Awareness
and non-financial inputs, services,
Campaigns, training, workshop
and appropriate technologies, reduce
5. Support for Millet Recipe Preparations transaction costs, tap high-value markets,
6. Participate in Farmer registration process and enter into partnerships with private
and millet procurement activities entities on more equitable terms.
7. Assisting CBO in Marketing, 2. The FPOs offer forms of aggregation

Entrepreneurship Development, and investments in irrigation, storage,
processing activities, etc. processing, etc. leaving land titles with
8. Data upload and documentation through individual producers and using the
the mobile application. strength of collective planning and
bargaining for production, procurement,
Mode of payment: The CRPs are provided
and marketing, so that considerable value
honorarium at the rate of 25 person-days
is added to the members’ produce.
per month per cluster at the rate of Rs 250
per day (including travel). While assigning These FPO’s are expected to be a platform
the responsibility to a CRP the CBO/FA shall for small and marginal millet farmers to
inform the CRP in writing regarding the collectively sell processed grains and value-
terms of engagement that include incentive added products of millets. They are also
norms, deliverables, performance appraisal expected to anchor community institutions
mechanism and duration of the assignment. envisaged in the program viz. Millet Processing
The CBO/FA shall refer to the work done Unit, Community Managed Seed System, and
register of the month and the transactional Custom-Hiring Centre.274 out of 714 i.e., 38%
report generated from the website collected board of directors are women. 17716 out
by the CRP through Mobile App and payment of 30136 i.e. 59% women are shareholders
shall be made accordingly. The honorarium amongst the 75 FPOs.
shall be released on monthly basis as per

Thus, in addition to the revenue from the
collective sale of millet grains, the FPO shall
Enterprise For Value
earn its revenue from: Addition
1. Supply of products like Financial support
a. Locally produced or sourced seeds of Financial support has two components: to
preferred varieties of different millet entrepreneurs on a grant basis and to block-
crops level enterprises on processing and value
addition.
b. Bio-manures and bio-pesticides
Financial support to entrepreneurs on a grant
c. Processed grains and value-added
basis for establishing pulverizing/ grinding
products
enterprises for local consumption at clusters
2. Provision of services like of panchayats level. A-Millets Processing Units
such as machinery include thresher cum
a. Primary processing of millet grains: pearler, grinder/pulverizer and such other
threshing, de-stoning, de-husking, and devices which are useful for value addition.
pulverization (Managing Processing The financial support is limited to Rs 7.5
Units) lakhs during the project period/ block. These
machineries are provided to the women SHGs
b. Farm implements on hiring basis:
/FPO/CBO by the DDA cum PD ATMA. Selection
Weeders, markers, power-sprayers,
of SHG /FPO/CBO for these millets processing
tarpaulin sheets, electronic weighing
units are finalized by a committee consisting
machines (Managing Custom Hiring
of DAO, Scheme Officer, AAO, AAE, Program
Centers)
Secretariat, and FA under the chairmanship of
c. Storage of seeds (through Community PD, ATMA. All the selected CBO/FPO/SHG shall
Seed Centers) and other value-added enter into an agreement with the concerned
products block AAO/BAO/BEO of the block on behalf of
DDA cum PD ATMA.
3. Opening of millet-based eateries or
outlets in small towns (Managing Millet Financial support to block-level enterprises
Enterprises) on processing and value addition (dehullers,
cleaner, grader, de-stoner thresher cum
As per the program guidelines of Odisha
pearler, biscuit making machine, etc.) on a
Millets Mission, the nodal CBO in every
need basis. Support can also be provided for
block takes the form of a Farmer’s Producer
one-year maintenance, including the setting
Organization- which is a representative
of basic infrastructure and power supply after
organization of farmers, both men, and
approval of the business plan by district ATMA.
women, meant to provide services and help
Millet Processing Units of capacity (200-300
them negotiate with market agencies for
Kg/Ha/ 300-1000 Kg/Ha/ 1000-1200 Kg/Ha)
better price realization on their produce
to be established within the Program Block
through organized efforts. Legally, the
/ District as per market feasibility by CBO /
FPO could be a Cooperative Society (State
FPO/SHG selected through a process. These
Cooperatives act or MACS act or Multi-State
machinery include Cleaner cum De-stoners
Cooperative Act), a Producer Company (Section
cum Grader, dehullers, etc. Value addition
581 C of Companies Act), or a Private Limited
units such as Bakery/ Biscuit making unit,
Company. The choice of registration lies with
ladoo-making unit, decorticator, flaking units
the facilitating agency that is providing hand-
and such other value-added machinery shall
holding support to the nodal CBO considering
be established within the district by FPO/
the institutional and financial health of the
CBO/SHG through a process of selection. A
CBO.

committee is formed for the selection of the j. The practical operation of the millet
FPO/SHG/CBO for processing machines under processing machines (Depends on the
the chairmanship of the Deputy Director of availability)
Agriculture (DDA cum PD ATMA).
Consumption
Training and Exposure Visits
A five-day exposure visit outside State on Training
processing, value-added products and markets The guidelines also have a provision for a
for CRPs, NGO staff, Entrepreneurs, Traders two-day residential training within the district
and Department Officials shall be organized by to be organized for a 10-member women
FA. campaign team. These training are conducted
by Facilitating Agencies and its objective is
1. Program Secretariat shares the tentative to increase the household consumption of
list of locations for the exposure visit. Any millets.
other suitable location can be selected by
FA with the approval of DDA cum PD ATMA. 1. Dates and venues are to be finalized by
facilitating agencies in consultation with
2. Dates of the visit shall be proposed by
AAO/BAO and approved by the DDA cum
FA in consultation with AAO/BAO and
PD ATMA quarterly.
is approved by the DDA cum PD ATMA
quarterly. 2. Women with experience in campaigning,
active in community events, interested
3. Selected CBO members, CRPs and farmers
persons areto be selected for this training.
are chosen by the FA and AAO.
3. Women SHG members of Mission Shakti
4. The Selected CBO/FPO/SHGs members
who had undergone training on millet and OLM are to be given preference.
processing, packing, value addition must 4. In this training, women are to be trained on
be included for an exposure visit. a. Different types of millets and their
5. In this exposure visit participants need to nutritive values.
be trained on the following aspects: b. Need for consumption of more millets
a. Different types of millets c. Different millet recipe preparation
b. Different types of processing of d. Strategies to create more awareness on
different millets the consumption of millets.
c. Quality issues in the processing of 5. Women campaigns and food festivals
millets are to be linked to the training to ensure
d. Different machinery for processing of greater effectiveness.
millets 6. Brochures on different millet recipes,
e. Issues and challenges in the setting up the importance of millets &their
the millet processing units nutritional values are to be prepared by
Program Secretariat in Odia language for
f. Storage and packaging of millets
distribution during the campaign.
g. Different value-added products of the
7. Residential training is to be converted
millet processing
to non-residential training only when
h. Opportunities in the value addition of residential facilities are not available.
millets Certificates shall be given by the FA on
i. Training module and IEC material shall the body of the voucher to the effect that
be supplied for the same. residential accommodation is not available
near the place of the training. In case

of conversion from residential to non- 4. Payment is made by the DDA cum PD ATMA
residential training, then participants shall directly to the empaneled videographers.
be increased to 16 instead of 10 so that the 5. Video documentation shall focus on
total cost of training shall remain the same. Agronomic Practices, Millet consumption,
Due to Covid 19, several of these activities are yet Procurement, Processing, Value addition
to happen. of millets and methods of recipes
preparation, Inclusion of millets in ICDS,
Campaigns and Videos MDM, and PDS, and any other video
deemed suitable for the program and
Campaigns are organized in villages to
public.
increase awareness of household consumption
of millets. After the training of the women
Outlets
campaign team (master trainers) in
component, master trainers will be organizing Under OMM, there is a provision for opening
village-level campaigns to generate interest a Mobile Outlet / Farmer sales outlet. The
in household-level consumption. Four- support at the rate of Rs 4 lakh is given as
day campaigns (minimum three types of start-up capital for the project period to the
campaigns such as School Rally, Street play FPOs/CBOs/SHG to prepare the millet recipe
and Rath) are taken up by the campaign team and sell it to generate income. Preference is
during one financial year. given to the FPOs/CBOs engaged in the OMM
activities.
1. FA identifies the suitable locations for
organizing the awareness campaigns. Process steps for establishing the Mobile
Preference in street play will be given Outlet
to weekly haats/local events/panchayat
1. The FPOs/CBOs/SHGs having adequate
meetings/ any other suitable congregations
infrastructure for the setting of Mobile
of people.
outlet/ Farmer sales outlet for marketing of
2. FA identifies the suitable street play group millet recipe will apply to PD ATMA through
and links them with the women campaign AAO/BAO facilitated by FA through an
team for the development of the script application format.
covering the above activities.
2. The applicant must have adequate
3. Dates and location of the street play shall
resources such as capital, workforce,
be shared with Program. Secretariat/AAO/
vehicle (own or rented), kitchen facilities, etc.
BAO/DAO/DDA cum PD ATMA before 15
days of the event. 3. A committee is formed for the selection
4. Street play and household level of the FPO/SHG/CBO for mobile
mobilization outlet/Farmer’s sale outlet under the
chairmanship of DDA cum PD ATMA.
For videography following points shall be
considered: The fund is transferred to the selected
1. Videographers already empaneled by the CBO /FPO/SHG in two phases. In the first
DDA cum PD ATMA for other schemes may installment, 50% of the fund will be released
also be assigned for video documentations. to the selected CBO /FPO/SHG. After 100%
utilization of the first installment, the rest 50%
2. The cost is inclusive of all aspects from the
can be transferred as the second installment.
development of a script to submission of
The specifications of the outlet are finalized by
video copy.
the Committee as per local situations. Program
3. Videographers also submit the raw footage Secretariat shares indicative specifications.
to PD ATMA and Program Secretariat.

Start-up Capital have been selected for the millet-based
product49. Additionally, Cambridge University
Under the Odisha Millet Mission, there is
has partnered with Odisha Millets Mission to
a provision for Start-up Capital for setting
explore the possibility of the design of OMM
up/management of Kiosk for millets-based
as an alternative to the Green Revolution
products by FPO/CBO/SHG preferably Women
framework. The global recognition of OMM
SHGs of Mission Shakti (Millet value-added
illustrates that the project has crossed
stall for Tiffin Centre, Evening Snacks, Sweet
various policy milestones while maintaining
Shop, etc.). The selection criteria are the
transparency, innovations, and efficiency.
same as the criteria of mobile/farmer outlets.
The selected SHG/CBO/FPO are supported At the policy level, Odisha has become the
with a start-up cost of Rs. 30,000 for setting first State: to declare direct incentives to
up/management of Kiosk for millets-based farmers for three years through DBT, to
products to entrepreneur (Millet value-added complete benchmarking of prices of little
stall for Tiffin Centre, Evening Snacks, Sweet millet and foxtail millet; to develop standard
Shop, etc.). specifications for the minor millet machinery
through a recognized panel of experts from
Recognition and Impact different scientific institutions and to include
The Government of India has appreciated Ragi laddu in ICDS through the support of
OMM as a model initiative to promote District Mineral Foundation Trust. Odisha has
millets, oilseeds, and pulses. The central also received the best government initiative
government has also asked all other millet on millet promotion award by MoFPI-IIFP and
growing States to understand and adapt became the third state to distribute millets in
the framework of OMM and replicate the PDS in the country.
learnings. On similar lines, the State Planning
A study50, ‘Health and Nutrition, Practice
Commission of Chhattisgarh and the Governor
of Maharashtra have asked their respective Insight’ by NITI Aayog acknowledges OMM’s
State governments to initiate a project on efforts and achievement. It states that there
millets on the foundation and insights from has been a 215% increase in the gross value
OMM. Under MoPFI- PM FME scheme of the of millets produced per farmer household in
One District One Product approach, two Odisha because of OMM51. The reach of OMM
is about 15,292 villages covering 81 blocks
districts of Odisha, Naupada and Malkangiri,
Figure 7: OMM Achievements 2019-20
38 Custom hiring Identified 14

15,292 Villages of Cultivation of all
centers at cluster unique improved
81 blocks from 15 millets in 47190
level for 30285 varieties and 103
district ha land
farmers unique traditional
49
50
NITI Aayog, Government of India. 2020. Health and Nutrition Practice Insights (Vol. II)
51
NITI Aayog hails millet revival in Odisha. 2021. The Hindu

and 15 districts of the State. OMM promoted promoting millets, a two-member team from
the cultivation of all millets to 47,190 ha; the Program Secretariat participated and set
however, ragi occupies 86% of the cultivated a display stall in the International Trade Fair
area due to the reasons mentioned above. on Organic and Millets in Bangalore from
Additionally, as one of the objectives of OMM, 18th to 20th January 2018. Two initiatives were
38 custom hiring centers at cluster level for taken to popularize millet consumption in
helping 30,285 farmers have been set up urban areas: First Millet Shakti Café- serving
and are functioning. The State millet mission millet-based recipes, bakery products, and
has also conducted 45 participatory varietal hot-cook items. Second, Urban Internship on
trials and has identified 14 unique improved popularizing millets - A summer internship,
varieties and 103 unique traditional varieties. organized by the State Program Secretariat
Seed production has been carried out with (NCDS and WASSAN) with the support of the
112 farmers in 66.5 Hectares. 61 traditional Department of Agriculture, for students to
varieties and 5 Govt. recommended varieties set up and manage millet food stalls in 26
identified through PVT, were taken up in the different locations in Bhubaneswar53.
seed production program as of 2021.As a part
of the distribution chain, ragi was distributed
to 16 lakh beneficiaries in 7 districts in 2018-
3.3 Program Delivery
19 under PDS52. Also, under ICDS in Keonjhar Mechanism
and Sundargarh, ragi laddu was introduced as
The implementation of the program
a morning snack for children receiving pre-
includes stakeholders from State, District,
school education in Anganwadis.
and Partnered organizations. At the State
To promote and showcase the initiatives level, the High-Power Committee for Millet
undertaken by the Government of Odisha for Mission, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’
Figure 8: Program Delivery Mechanism
High Powered Committee

for Millets Mission
Department of Agriculture
and Farmer’s Empowerment
Monthly Review
Directorate of Agriculture
and Food Production
State Project Secretariat State Project

PD ATMA
(NCDS and WASSAN) Management Unit
Block Level FA Assistant Agriculture

Officer
Community Based Village Agriculture

Organisations Worker
52
53
Annual Report. 2018-19. Odisha Millet Mission

Empowerment, Directorate of Agriculture and District level ATMA is the program
Food Production, State Program Secretariat administrative unit, and Project Director
(NCDS & WASSAN) are major stakeholders. (PD) ATMA acts as the nodal person for the
At the district level, ATMA, Facilitating Agency program’s success at the district level. An
(FA), Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO), and NGO/FPO active in the block is chosen as the
Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are FA through a process of selection taken up
the main human resources. by ATMA and the Program Secretariat. The
The high-power committee for Millet organizations which had a presence in District/
Mission is formed at the State level chaired Blocks and fulfilled the criteria of capacity,
by the Development Commissioner. The experience and history of working with
Commissioner cum Director, Food and farmer’s organizations are selected as FAs. The
Production, is the member convener of the responsibility of FA is to form/strengthen and
committee. The committee meets once support community/ farmer organizations to
in six months to discuss governance and implement the program.
policy-related aspects of the program. The
AAO extends support to FA in technical
Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s
matters, helps in convergence, participates
Empowerment looks after the administration
in the block-level review, and reports
and funding for the program. Directorate of
the progress to PD, ATMA. Community-
Agriculture & Food Production, Odisha, is the
Based Organizations (CBOs) are the
nodal agency to monitor and implement the
project implementation agency, identified
program. They undertake bi-monthly reviews
to monitor the progress of work. They also and partnered by FA. During program
approve the annual report of the program. implementations, the expectation is that
Group(s) working with a ‘focus on millets’
State Secretariat, NCDS and WASSAN, will be formed into an FPO or in case, the
coordinate with various stakeholders to existing FPO will be strengthened; this is the
ensure smooth implementation of the responsibility of the FA. Once the FPO evolves,
program and develop a research program. it becomes the program implementing agency.
A state secretariat is established at NCDS, Lastly, the Village Agriculture Worker (VAW) in
Bhubaneshwar. NCDS partnered with WASSAN the GP is responsible for working with CBO on
on the programme management of the implementing the program in the project area.
project. NCDS is the research secretariat
VAW reports the progress of the program to
for the project, responsible for evaluation
the concerned AAO.
and policy research. WASSAN anchored
programme secretariat for the project,
responsible for the program management, 3.4 Roles and
capacity building, program implementation,
design, and process support to ATMA,
Responsibilities of
facilitating agencies (FAs), and monitoring of Stakeholders
the implementation of the program.
The program incorporated the bottom-up
State Program Management Unit (SPMU) is approach for decentralized implementation.
responsible for developing program processes This included the diverse stakeholders and
and designs. It regularly monitors the program key decision-makers ranging from the Director
implementation and develops monitoring of Agriculture at the state level to the Village
and evaluation reports. SPMU maintains Agriculture Worker (VAW). The roles and
coordination with PD ATMA and State Program responsibilities of all the stakeholders involved
Secretariat. are detailed in table 6:

Table 6: Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders
Stakeholders Position Roles and Responsibilities
High Power State Ministry ⚫ Member convener of the High-level Committee

Committee on OMM chaired by Development Commissioner.
⚫ The committee meets once in 6 months to discuss

governance and policy-related aspects of the
program such as the introduction of millets into
PDS, reworking on the state nutrition programs to
include millets, tax, and market incentives for millet-
based industries.
Department State Ministry ⚫ Apex body to look after the administration and
of Agriculture funding for the program
& Farmers’
Empowerment, Govt.
of Odisha
Directorate of State Ministry ⚫ The nodal agency for monitoring and

Agriculture & Food implementation of the program.
Production, Odisha
⚫ Responsible to conduct a bi-monthly review to
monitor the progress of the work, making overall
decisions of the program and reporting to the
Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’
Empowerment for a policy decision.
Directorate of State ⚫ Responsible to coordinate with various stakeholders

Agriculture & Food Secretariat to ensure smooth implementation of the program
Production, Odisha, and to develop a research program.
NCDS, and WASSAN
Nabakrushna Research ⚫ Undertake Baseline survey and assessment of the

Choudhury Centre Secretariat blocks and will undertake annual survey, report on
for Development within State issues of importance to the program with a focus on
Studies (NCDS), Secretariat assessing the milestones (quantity and quality).
Bhubaneswar
⚫ Identify a suitable third-party agency for the end-
line assessment of the program. Provide research-
related inputs to Millets Policy Development in the
state.
⚫ Undertake impact assessment at the end of 2nd year

and 4th year.
⚫ Report to Commissioner cum Director, Agriculture

and Food Production on progress in research works
and report to Principal Secretary, Department of
Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment on policy
aspects in the program.

WASSAN Program ⚫ Developing program processes and design including

Secretariat program implementation, process manual, and
within State policy guidelines.
Secretariat
⚫ Capacity building modules and identifying
community bases institutions and resource persons
& extending support to FAs in the field.
⚫ Identify resource organizations/ individuals, liaison

with research institutions, and formation of expert
support groups for supporting FAs.
⚫ Provide support to PD, ATMA in the verification of

technical and financial documents submitted by
FAs and in facilitating convergence with District
Administration.
⚫ Monitor the program implementation and develop

Monitoring & Evaluation reports and submit it to
the Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production,
Odisha.
⚫ Facilitate convergence across departments at the

state level with the support of Commissioner cum
Director, Agriculture and Food Production, Odisha.
⚫ Verifying technical and financial documentation

submitted by FAs to ATMA Governing Board for
technical and financial compliance respectively.
ATMA Governing District ⚫ Chaired by District Collector, responsible for

Board implementation and monitoring of the program at
the district level.
⚫ Reviewing the program bi-monthly with help of

the Project Director, ATMA. Provide consultation
to programme secretariat to develop district-wise
Milestones, Action plans, and timelines of the
project.
⚫ May make justifiable amendments to technical and

financial protocols of the program based on the
local situations, these changes have to be submitted
to Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production,
Odisha through programme secretariat for approval
of the same.

Project Director, District ⚫ Program administrative unit and PD, ATMA is the
ATMA nodal person for the success of the program at the
district level.
⚫ Tripartite MoU with FA and Community Based

Organizations (CBOs).
⚫ ATMA receives funds from the state and releases

the same to FA and CBO as per the approved Half-
Yearly Action Plans.
⚫ Review the program on monthly basis with the

support of the Programme Secretariat at the district
level to ensure the progress of the work as per
deadlines and milestones.
⚫ Facilitate bi-monthly review of the program by the

district collector.
⚫ Ensure compliance of financial and physical reports

with support from the program secretariat.
⚫ WASSAN extends support to ATMA in aspects

related to review of the FA’s work, verifying financial
compliance, and developing reporting systems.
Facilitating Agency Block ⚫ An NGO/FPO active in the block is chosen as FA

(FA) through a process of selection taken up by ATMA
and the Program Secretariat.
⚫ The MoU will be signed between PD, ATMA, Selected

FA, and Program Secretariat after proper scrutiny of
FAs.
⚫ Based on the experience and local presence, each

Block will be assigned to a FA but not more than 3
Blocks across the state and not more than 2 blocks
in a district.
⚫ FAs support CBOs in the preparation and

submission of half-yearly plans, estimates,
bookkeeping, technical support, capacity building,
etc. FAs will regularly monitor the work of CBOs.
⚫ Ensures that all relevant technical and financial

documentation is in place for processing the funds
to CBO by PD ATMA.
⚫ Conducts weekly/fortnightly review meetings with

CBOs. Responsible to submit all the reports and
documents related to CBO (Estimate, Utilization
Certificates, etc.) to PD ATMA and State secretariat.

Assistant Agriculture Block ⚫ The block AAO extends support to FA in technical

Officer (AAO) matters, help in convergence, participate in the
block-level review and report the progress to PD,
ATMA for the success of the program
Community-Based Community/ ⚫ FA is responsible to identify and partnering with

Organizations Gram a CBO for project implementation. Any functional
(CBOs) and Panchayat CBO working with farmers in the Project Area
Farmers’ Producer (GP) (selected GPs) is chosen as the implementing
Organization (FPOs) agency.
⚫ CBO can be a federation of Farmer Groups,

Common Interest Groups, Self Help Group, FPOs,
or Cooperatives or any other local community
institution.
⚫ Based on FA’s recommendation, a team from

Program Secretariat evaluated the CBOs and grade
them (A, B, or C)54. Among ‘Grade, A’ CBOs, priority
is given to CBOs with women farmers.
⚫ All the program implementation funds are received

by the CBO. A tripartite agreement is supposed to
be made between PD, ATMA, FAs and the CBOs.
⚫ PRI members at GP level may be involved in

planning processes and informed about the
progress made at regular intervals.
⚫ CBOs are responsible to implement the program

with the support of FAs, VAW and AAO at the
respective area of the block.
Village Agriculture Gram ⚫ Responsible to work with the CBO or Groups on the
Worker (VAW) Panchayat implementation of the programme in the project
area.
⚫ The VAW reports the progress of the program to the

concerned AAO
54
Grade C ones are not accepted for program partnership. Grade B?? are accepted with a probation period of 2
months to set the systems right and a re-assessment is made. Grade A can get into program partnership straight.

assurance, check on pest attacks, do situation
3.5 Monitoring and
analysis, etc.
Evaluation District administration has adopted the
Odisha Millet Mission has a component following two innovative methods for
of regular monitoring at each level, from transparency and accountability
state to block. DDA cum Program Director,
ATMA and Joint Director, Millet SPMU, OMM Web Portal for Project Reporting: A web-
provides overall guidance and monitoring of based Management Information System (MIS)
the program at the District and State level is developed by Program Secretariat for every
and report to the Director, Agriculture & Food facilitating agency (FA) and ATMA with login
Production, Odisha. They also undertake facility and process of uploading the data on
monitoring/field visits during various stages a real-time basis. The MIS aims to monitor the
of implementation for the project with program regularly. A Monthly Progress Report
the support of the Programme Secretariat (MPR) comprising a Statement of Expenditure
(WASSAN). (SOE) is uploaded every month by each FA.
It can be accessed by all stakeholders of the
Quarterly monitoring is conducted by Program program using a login and password.
Secretariat and AAO/BAO to review the
implementation of the mission, to provide Mobile Application for Farmers’ Database
actionable insights and to discuss challenges and Monitoring: CRPs at the cluster level
if any. Simultaneously, monthly status on are provided with android mobile phones
processing machine operations is reported to to regularly upload the farmers’ progress
DDA cum PD ATMA through AAO/BAO. Regular data. A program tracking sheet is developed
monitoring on the execution of projects at in two languages, English and Odiya. The
gram panchayat and block level is conducted data uploaded by CRPs, including geotagged
by FA. photographs of the farmers, can be accessed
by the admin at the state level.
Facilitating agencies have block coordinators
and additional block coordinators at block
level to monitor and work along with CRPs 3.6 Budget and Fund-flow
on daily basis on their different roles and Under OMM, two types of funds are seen:
responsibilities. Additional block coordinators Program Funds - to be spent implementing
provide monitoring support to the CRPs and the program and Facilitation Funds - for
ensure the proposed accomplished status in program facilitation and are received/ spent by
consultation with farmers, preparation and the facilitating agency/Program Secretariat.
submission of weekly report and monthly
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’
report to the district.
Empowerment releases funds to the
FAs are monitored by the district coordinator Directorate of Agriculture and Food
of WASSAN. There is one district coordinator Production, Odisha. These funds are further
(DC) from WASSAN for every five blocks released to State Secretariat (NCDS) by
involved in OMM. For more than five blocks the Directorate of Agriculture and Food
two district coordinators are placed. The Production for research, monitoring and
major role of DC WASSAN is to provide evaluation, innovation, and capacity building.
implementation and monitoring to FAs. They State Secretariat (NCDS) further releases the
conduct monitoring visits, work on quality funds to Program Secretariat (WASSAN) for

Figure 9: Flowchart of Intended Fund Flow Mechanism
Department of Agriculture
and farmer’s Empowerment
Directorate of Agriculture Innovation

Funds, Capacity
Program Funds, Building costs,
Facilitation Program
Costs, Capacity Management
Building Funds Research Costs,
M&E Costs
State Secretariat
ATMA
Program Facilitation
Funds cost
Community Based
Block Level FA
Organisations (CBO)
monitoring, capacity building, and innovation. funds in the next instalment are conditional
WASSAN is responsible for management on the receipt of Utilization Certificate (UC),
and reports directly to Commissioner cum Statement of Expenditure (SoE) of 75% funds
Director of Agriculture and Food Production, released in the previous instalment.
Odisha. Directorate of Agriculture and
At the district level, the nodal agency i.e.,
Food Production, Odisha, also releases
Project Director, ATMA shall transfer the
funds to district level ATMA’s for the overall
budgeted funds instalment wise through NEFT/
implementation of the program, i.e., funds
RTGS to the back account of CBOs/FAs (NGOs)
for facilitation and capacity building to FA and
within the 7 days of receipt of funds from the
program funds to CBOs.
Directorate of Agriculture. PD, ATMA ensures
At the state level, the program management the receipt of UC and SoE from CBOs/ FAs
funds are drawn in four instalments i.e., 25% (NGOs) and submit the consolidated UC to the
in each quarter and in the district level, the Directorate of Agriculture & Food Production
program funds are drawn in three instalments before the drawl of the next instalment of
i.e., 30:30:40 basis. The drawl of budgeted funds.

4. Situational Analysis
and awareness generation activities were

4.1 National Policy
undertaken.
Initiatives towards Millet The Government of India declared 2018 as
Promotion the year of millets and launched its Millet
With the introduction of minimum support Mission as part of the National Food Security
price (MSP) in the mid-1960’s for paddy Mission, which focuses on developing farm-
and wheat, production patterns shifted to gate processing units and empowering
favor these crops. While self-sufficiency of farmers through collectives while focusing
food in the country was achieved, it also on value-addition and aggregation of the
led to a reduction in crop diversity, overuse produce.60 NFSM has laid specific focus on 202
of fertilizers and loss of groundwater took nutri-cereal districts in 14 states to provide an
place.55 Moreover, the production of millets incentive to farmers for seed mini-kits, field-
reduced significantly, and it got reduced to a level demonstrations, training, processing
fodder crop in just a few decades post-Green clusters, and research support. The $14 billion
Revolution.56 Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has
pushed investments across States to support
Over the years, millet’s role in improving millet entrepreneurs, primary processing
nutrition and reducing agricultural carbon machines for millets dehulling, and the
footprint57 has been recognized. Further India’s formation of millet farmer collectives.61 The
agriculture sector is largely rain-fed and in the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative,
event of precarious monsoons, millets can act which lists agro-climatically suitable crops for
as “famine reserves” given their prolonged and which there is niche demand, has identified
easy storability.58 To revive millet cultivation, 27 nutri-cereal districts to focus upon.62
the Government of India announced an The Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer
allocation of Rs. 300 crores in 2011-12 under Organizations (FPOs) program of $ 924 million,
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana for promotion in addition, aims at millet producers’ effective
of millets as Nutri-cereals. The scheme on market participation as member shareholders
the initiative for Nutrition Security through in these entities. The year 2023 will be
Intensive Millets Promotion was formulated observed as the International Year of Millets,
to operationalize this.59 Under the scheme, following India’s proposal to the Food and
technology demonstrations in compact blocks Agriculture Organization, which was approved
were organized in selected districts; new at the 160th session of the FAO Council in
varieties of seeds were promoted; centers of December 2018, and finally adopted by the UN
excellence were planned to be established; General Assembly in March 202163.
research & development was initiated;
55
Nelson E, Ravichandran K and Anthony U (2018), The impact of the Green Revolution on indigenous crops of India, Journal of
Ethnic Foods
56
ibid
57
Behera M (2017), Assessment of the state of millets farming in India
58
Passi SJ, Jain A (2014), MILLETS: The nutrient rich counterparts of wheat and rice, Government of India:Press Information Bureau
59
INSIMP Guidelines
60
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (2021), India to take a leading position in production of millets, PIB
61
Likhi A., Promoting Nutri-Cereal (Millet) Farming in India, https://www.manage.gov.in/millets.html
62
https://mofpi.nic.in/pmfme/one-district-one-product
63
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 3 March 2021, https://undocs.org/A/RES/75/263

The map given below shows the distribution of 202 nutri-cereal districts across 14 states:
Figure 10: Distribution of nutri-cereal districts across states
9
9
23 24
19 24 1
10
6
26
25
7
State with
nutri-cereal districts
State without
nutri-cereal district
15
Source: Re-Vamped National Food Security Mission (NFSM) Operational guideline (2018-19 to 2019-20)
While the Government of India has clearly available high yielding varieties of millets
shown the will to mainstream millets and that have been developed are not available
certain actions are also taking place in that everywhere. He also stated that increasing the
direction, yet a lot remains to be done. The demand for millets is one of the most critical
area under millet cultivation has declined aspects to be focused on at a national level.
significantly over the last few decades. Even Currently, the availability of millets in palatable
with rising productivity, this pattern needs and reasonably priced forms is scarce and
to be reversed. The Ministry of Women awareness regarding millet preparation and its
and Child Development stated that a key benefits is low.
issue in including millet-based items in the
We, therefore, see that millet mainstreaming
supplementary nutrition program is the in-
in India is constrained by both demand and
sufficiency in millet supply. A key scientist from
supply-side factors, which needs to be tackled
ICRISAT stated that most research funding
through policy initiatives. On the supply
is centered on rice and wheat and even the

side, while certain States such as Odisha are Larger players need to get in to make the
procuring finger millet (Ragi) at MSP for the space competitive and reduce the price of
PDS, this is not universalized in the country processed, ready to cook millet products”.
or for all varieties of millets. An expert The need for product development support to
from ICRISAT stated that universal MSP and companies was also agreed upon by several
large-scale government procurement is the stakeholders. An official from NITI Aayog
backbone of expanding millet cultivation to further shared that people’s perception
allow increased domestic consumption as well regarding millets is the biggest problem –
as encourage exports. “while calling millets nutri-cereals rather than
coarse grains has helped matters, yet millet
Coupled with production constraints are
consumption is still not seen very favorably”.
several issues with millet processing, which
She further suggested a large-scale publicity
is often a tedious and costly process. A
campaign to help raise awareness regarding
representative from the Ministry of Food
the consumption of millets.Further, linkages
Processing Industries (MOFPI) stated that
with markets need to be ensured to have the
appropriate machinery is not available for
availability of affordable forms of millets in
millet processing, especially little millets –
rural and urban areas.
“while pilot level machines are available for
certain types of millets, their mass production
has not been focused on.” Experts from Dhan 4.2 Development Journey
Foundation also pointed out that most of
the machines available in India have been
of Odisha Millets Mission
modified from paddy machines and are not Odisha Millet Mission has a threefold objective
very efficient – especially for processing small of increasing household consumption of
millets. They added that the “right kind of millets; improving its productivity, processing
machines for weeding and harvesting are still not and marketing while reducing drudgery; and
there and most are in R&D stage only. There is a inclusion in social safety nets. The program
need to connect R&D with marketing.” There is has managed to make remarkable progress in
also a lack of availability of technical staff to the 5 years since its inception. The area under
troubleshoot millet-related machinery. cultivation of Ragi in OMM districts increased
from 3,116 hectares to 43,993 hectares
On the consumption side, stakeholders since the program began. Further, Ragi has
agreed on the need for universally including been introduced on a pilot basis in ICDS’s
Ragi in social safety net programs such as supplementary nutrition program, the MDM
Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) scheme and given as a part of PDS in addition
under Integrated Child Development Services to rice and wheat. Further, a rise in income
scheme and the Mid-Day Meal scheme. The levels have been fallow lands used to cultivate
problem as stated by an official from the ragi leading to additional income generation
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI)
is that “largely only traditional millet-based Area Coverage under Ragi (in Ha) in OMM Areas Area
products are being consumed by traditionally Area Coverage
millet eating populations – otherwise millet (in Hectares),
Area Coverage 2020, 40,964
consumption is not going anywhere”. He further
(in Hectares),
stated that large companies are not currently 2019, 19,494
interested in preparing millet-based products
– “unless product development is undertaken Area Coverage Area Coverage
with big companies, mainstreaming is difficult. (in Hectares), (in Hectares),
2017, 3,116 2018, 10,675
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Figure 11: Average yield in OMM Areas
Average Yield (in quintals/Ha) in OMM Areas
Average Yield Average Yield Average Yield

(in quintals/Ha) (in quintals/Ha) (in quintals/Ha)
16.42
14.14
13.59
2018 2019 2020
for farmers through receiving incentives, such as diabetes. A member of a facilitating

selling for MSP, and increased demand in agency in Koraput shared that because of
local markets. The farmers received training OMM, a significant increase in consumption
in advanced productivity methods along with of Millets is seen – almost 25% more. Also,
high-quality inputs such as seeds which helped as a result of recipe demonstrations in the
them increase their yields. Exposure visits to community, people are learning to make
other blocks and districts to ensure cross- a variety of tasty millet-based food items,
learning was suggested. diversifying consumption beyond Jau (a simple
millet-based porridge). Women have become
The introduction of equipment such as cycle
entrepreneurs selling millet-based products
weeders has significantly reduced drudgery
in their local markets and also through online
for women while the push of implementing
platforms.
certain components of the program through
SHGs has led to their empowerment. A missing
link however is post-harvest and processing
“I started my own business of selling
equipment. An OMM District Coordinator
stated that “The processing part of Millets is
various millet-based snacks items
problematic because of the unavailability of on order in Jhumpura and Keonjhar
machinery to make millet flour thereby reducing in 2020. I can earn an additional
its consumption”. Moreover, SHGs are only Rs.10,000/- per month from this. I
provided training on millet-related recipes have also started a YouTube channel
and not on packaging and marketing to help demonstrating different recipes to
complete the millet value chain. promote millet across India.”
As a result of OMM, more people are also – Rinki Panda, District Coordinator,
aware of the high nutritional value of millets Keonjhar
and their benefits in preventing diseases

4.3 Reviving Millet
“Climate change is a global issue.
Cultivation as Climate
If we look into the existing climatic
Resilient Crop condition, paddy is now becoming a
Millets are known as C464 crops and have risky crop for the farmers given the
higher efficiency in absorbing and utilizing amount of water it needs. Mandia
carbon dioxide. Most varieties of millets on the other hand is a climate
are well known for their hardiness and can resistant crop.In case there is heavy
withstand prolonged periods of drought, rain in some season, then also millet
high temperatures and still produce grains seedlings will sustain.”
and fodder65. Also, unlike wheat and paddy,
they do not require many inputs in terms of – District Coordinator, WASSAN,
fertilizer and water. According to ICRISAT, one Kandhamal
rice plant requires nearly 2.5 times the amount
of water required by a single millet plant of
most varieties. Dr. Aburto, deputy director in
According to the report of the National Rainfed
the nutrition and food systems division of the
Area Authority (NRAA) even after realizing
UN Food and Agriculture Organization has
the full irrigation potential, about half of
noted that the high carbon content of millet
the net sown area will continue to remain
residues makes them particularly important
rainfed.67 An increase in the areas of crops
for maintaining and increasing soil carbon
with intense water requirements like rice,
levels, important for sustainable cropping
sugarcane, and cotton has resulted in the loss
systems, and, where applicable, for providing
of approximately 7191 liters of groundwater
forage for livestock66.
per hectare.68 Agricultural lands with irrigation
facilities have been exploited to the maximum,
and millet cultivation in drylands can ensure
“Producing millets has more benefits increased grain production.69
than paddy because it is sown on
upland areas and harvesting one An expert from ICRISAT reiterated the value
of millets in fighting climate change – “these
quintal of paddy requires many more
crops are adaptable to the changing climatic
inputs such as water and fertilizer.”
conditions and can grow in harsh weather
- SHG, Skambahal Village, conditions. With R&D, productivity levels are
Kuanrmunda, Sundergarh increasing, and more hybrid varieties are coming
up. Another significant advantage is the low levels
64
A plant that utilizes the C4 carbon fixation pathway in which the CO2 is first bound to a phosphoenolpyruvate in mesophyll cell
resulting in the formation of four-carbon compound (oxaloacetate) that is shuttled to the bundle sheath cell where it will be
decarboxylated to liberate the CO2 to be utilized in the C3 pathway.A C4 plant is better adapted than a C3 plant in an
environment with high daytime temperatures, intense sunlight, drought, or nitrogen or CO2 limitation.
65
ICRISAT, Farmers turn to millets as a climate-smart crop, https://www.icrisat.org/farmers-turn-to-millets-as-a-climate-smart-
crop/
66
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/05/1092492
67
National Rainfed Area Authority (NRRA); 2012. http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/28905/publisher/national-
rainfed-area-authority/
68
Sharma CP (2016) Overdraft in India’s water banks: studying the effect of production of water intensive crops on ground water
depletion
69
Kumar A, Tomer V, Kaur A, Kumar V and Gupta K (2018), Millets: a solution to agrarian and nutritional challenges

of pesticides used in millet production.” However,
4.4 Mainstreaming Millets
currently, the level of intercropping seen is
low and more effort needs to be done to make in Safety-Nets
farmers aware of this. Odisha Millet Mission correctly identified
Under Odisha Millet Mission, only bio-inputs the increase in demand and consumption of
are used and therefore organic millets are millets to be a key driver in its mainstreaming.
being produced. This has led to improved soil A critical component of this was introducing
quality. Further, the inter-cropping of millets Ragi in various social safety net programs
with other crops is beneficial because the such as Public Distribution System (PDS),
fibrous roots of millet plants help in improving Supplementary Nutrition Programs (SNP)
soil quality, keeping water run-off in check under ICDS and Mid May Meal scheme. The
and aid soil conservation in erosion-prone government of Odisha procures finger millet
areas, thereby restoring natural ecosystems.70 (Ragi) at MSP from farmers and through
Experts however recommend inter- the Food Supply and Consumer Welfare
cropping, which is currently not largely being Department goes to the various government
undertaken. departments for the safety nets schemes.
Before OMM, while MSP was present, there
was no government procurement of millets
“Mandia, Sorghum and Maize and farmers were not able to avail the MSP 72.
should be intercropped as higher Currently, 20-30% of the millet produced in
Odisha is procured under MSP while the rest is
crop, medium crop and lower crop
sold in the open market.73
to ensure soil fertility and health.
There will be diseases in pure Currently, as part of the PDS, one kilogram
cropping, but mixed cropping can of ragi at Rs.1 per kg per cardholder was
prevent diseases because it will supplied in seven districts in Odisha—
create a crop barrier.” Gajpati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput,
Malkangiri, Nuapada and Rayagada. Ration
– Block Agriculture Officer, Raikia cardholders in the Malkangiri district were
supplied 2 kg of ragi as millet consumption is
widespread. 17895 and 94745 quintals of ragi
were procured in 2018-19 and 2019-20. It was
Further, millets do not get destroyed easily,
distributed to 16 and 48 lakhs households
and some raw millet grains are good for
under PDS in 2018-19 and 2019-20. 96677
consumption even after 10-12 years of
beneficiaries under ICDS also benefited in
growing, thus providing food security, and
2019-20. It has been planned to distribute
playing an important role in keeping a check
2,03,880 quintals of ragi procured in 2020-21
on food wastage.71
to be distributed to 50 lakhs households under
PDS, 149330 beneficiaries under ICDS and
85822 beneficiaries under MDM in 2021-22.
70
Verma M, Sharma P, Singh A (2021) Millet could help India mitigate malnutrition and Climate Change, Livemint, https://www.
livemint.com/opinion/online-views/millets-could-help-india-mitigate-malnutrition-and-climate-change-11630861353572.html
71
ICRISAT, https://www.icrisat.org/a-short-history-of-millets-and-how-we-are-recognising-their-importance-in-the-modern-context/
72
Primary Data Collection, KII with WASSAN
73
Primary Data Collection, KII with WASSAN

The aim was to not only give an additional of rice or wheat with millets is a good place to
choice to consumers in their food basket but start to increase the acceptability of millets.
also help tribals earn a fair price for their ”An official from the Ministry of education
produce74. Experts from WASSAN shared that overseeing the MDM scheme shared that
the idea is to slowly replace rice or wheat there are procedural issues in including ragi
with millets in PDS and approval to do so is such as the supply of processed grains, its
pending with the Government of India under storage and preparation and availability of
the National Food Security Act. An official from final millet products. He further shared that
GoO’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ MDM is bound by GoI norms and grains
Empowerment said that some reimbursement cannot be sourced from the open market.
from GoI for the inclusion of millets is needed Similar issues were raised at the national level
as is done for rice and wheat to make its large- by a senior official from MWCD, who stated
scale inclusion feasible. Experts from CSIR- “…there is a significant intent to include Ragi in
CFTRI also felt that the amount of processing ICDS, however, its supply is the main constraint
on millets also plays an important role in its along with operational challenges such as long-
consumption as it’s a high fiber grain making term storage and preparation of final products.”
consumables items difficult to produce. They Currently, Ragi Ladoos are being given to
also shared that more research is needed children in AWC’s in certain districts while the
to optimize the polish of ragi given in PDS to inclusion of millet products in MDM is in the
ensure a balance between taste and nutrition. planning stage, and proposals for the supply
Some recipients of Ragi PDS too commented of biscuits and khichdi are being sought. CFTRI
on its poor quality. will recommend healthy recipes for the same.
As a next step, some districts are planning to
introduce Ragi Malt in AWCs and in MDM.
“In PDS, the mandia provided is
not clean, so people prefer to not
take it and use Mandia available at “Rago Ladoo is being given every
home. After cleaning 1.5kg millets Wednesday and Saturday. Though
we got only 1 kg” the provision was for it to be given
at AWC but because of COVID, we
– Recipient of Ragi PDS, are now giving this in the form of
BoodenBlock_Nuapada THR. One child will be provided with
8 Ladoos in a month i.e. weekly two
Given the health benefits of millets, the aim but now we are planning to give 16
should be to slowly partially replace them Ladoos in a month”
with rice and wheat, which is the grain of
– District Coordinator,
choice in India. Experts from WASSAN felt
ICDS, Keonjhar
that a good starting point for the inclusion
of millets in ICDS and MDM is to replace
25% of these with millets. An expert from
CSIR – CFTRI stated “….partial replacement
74
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-to-offer-millet-in-public-distribution-system/article27773935.ece

of the main reasons for the decline in millet
4.5 Gender & Inclusion in production over the years was the drudgery
Odisha Millets Mission involved – “…with the availability of modified
Women play a very important role in paddy machines, drudgery involved in ragi
the cultivation and processing of millets. processing has reduced however continues to
Historically, millets have been grown and remain for small millets. ” Machines like the
consumed by marginal communities and were cycle weeder have also brought a big change in
managed by women owing to their labor- the lives of women.
intensive production. An expert from ICRISAT
stated that particularly in tribal areas, all major
“Using traditional ways, for one
millet-related activities are undertaken by
acre, 9-12 women used to work
women. He noted that as a result of Odisha
from morning till evening for
Millets Mission, the involvement of women-led
weeding. But now with the help
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has come up in a big
way. of cycle weeder, one person can
do that work in 2 days.”
– WASSAN Regional
“Seven people from our SHG are
Coordinator, Koraput
cultivating mandia together in 6
acres of land. Except ploughing,
all other activities are being
taken care of by us women like We see a change in gender roles because of
bed preparation, transplantation, farm mechanization and changing cropping
patterns – there is less labor-intensive work
using weeders, use of bio inputs,
and reduction in drudgery, leaving more
harvesting”
time for other activities. Women are now
– FGD, SHG in Jhumpara, involved in the entire millet value chain with
Keonjhar women SHGs being tasked to take on roles in
processing, value addition and marketing while
also maintaining their traditional role of post-
Promoting millet farming should rely on the harvest operations and seed management. 76
traditional knowledge of farmers, especially Traditional social norms have also limited
women food producers, to spread the women’s ability to engage in enterprise and
message of food security for cultivators trade as well as access to training, advice,
and good health for consumers. Women’s financial services.77 OMM is looking to change
traditional rights as millet cultivators can this and under the program, women are
be harnessed to improve their lives in the playing a big role in setting up community
future. On the flip side, however, is the long seed centers and custom hiring centers, and
hours of drudgery women spend in processing also developing millet-based ready to eat
them. While in recent years it has improved, products. SHGs have been given training
the lack of focus on marginal communities in recipe preparation, however, aspects of
has led to the arduous labor demands of packaging and marketing too need to be
millet production being overlooked.75 Experts added. An expert from ICRISAT suggested
from the Dhan Foundation shared that one providing further training and support to SHGs
75
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/interviews/food/-labour-burden-on-women-millet-producers-must-be-reduced--61748
76
https://www.fao.org/3/ac546e/ac546e05.htm
77
https://research.kent.ac.uk/development-economics/page/4/?article=2969

under OMM to create marketable products
4.6 Multistakeholder
along with linking them to markets and
providing adequate technology. Partnership and Multi-
OMM is focused on the promotion of millets Department Convergence
in tribal areas of Odisha. The program has Odisha Millet Mission’s operating model
strengthened MSP and assured government depends on partnerships and convergence. It
procurement for PDS and ICDS, allowing brings together key government departments,
farmers from tribal communities to earn a academic institutions, CSOs and NGOs,
fair price for millet cultivation. Further, Patta farmer collectives and community-based
of land is not required to get incentives, organizations. The close collaboration between
which is a positive factor as the Patta of action research and program implementation
land is normally not in the name of women, is a key ingredient for the success of
particularly from tribal communities. Access OMM.80 On the research side, activities like
to resources and ownership rights continue participatory varietal trials are ensuring the
to remain key factors in bringing equity and development of high-yielding and resilient
land ownership continues to be dominated by varieties of seed while implementation
men.78 activities such as developing recipes ensure
Odisha Millet Mission has also brought a that millets are palatable and acceptable
significant change in the lives of remote by both rural and urban consumers.
tribal communities such as the particularly Nabakrushna Choudhury Center for
vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in Malkangiri Development Studies (NCDS) is the research
district. Malkangiri is among the 100 most partner for the program while WASSAN is the
underdeveloped and poverty-stricken districts implementation agency. The department of
of India and their farming practices have agriculture and farmers’ empowerment is the
gradually shifted away from millet-centered nodal agency.
mixed cropping to paddy. The awareness Ground-level implementation of the program
created by Bonda youth volunteers and local is done by facilitating agencies, which are
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) about local NGOs, familiar with the agricultural
cultivating millets through improved farming practices and the communities. The selection
techniques to meet nutritional and climatic process was an open tendering process
challenges, and the institutional impetus and was undertaken by District Agricultural
given by the Odisha Millets Mission--such as Technology Management Agency (ATMA)
assured purchase and higher prices--is steadily and State Secretariat (NCDS and WASSAN).
yielding results. Odisha has recorded a 215% Further, the District Mineral Foundation (DMF)
increase in gross value of millet produced per has provided funds in several districts to
farmer household from Rs 3,957 in 2016-17 undertake implementation activities.
to Rs 12,486 in 2018-19, according to a 2020
NITI Aayog study. In the same period, the Convergence with Mission Shakti is a
area under millet cultivation has increased critical part of OMM to fulfill its objective of
from 2,949 hectares to 5,182 hectares and the empowering women. Self Help Groups are
yield rate has increased by 120%, the study provided training in millet-based recipes,
showed.79 which help them prepare and sell quality
78
https://www.fao.org/3/ac546e/ac546e05.htm
79
https://www.indiaspend.com/climate-change/tribal-community-odisha-battling-climate-change-with-traditional-farming-758207
80
https://vikalpsangam.org/article/odisha-millet-mission-the-successes-and-the-challenges/

products such as Ragi Ladoos and cookies.
SHGs are also responsible for the community
seed centers and custom hiring centers in “DMF is providing us funds for the
several districts. Further, Mission Shakti Cafes Ragi Ladoo initiative. DCSO looks
have been approved and are in the process of
after the supply part, he supplies
being established in urban areas of Odisha.
the required amount of mandia for
They will serve millet-based hot cooked items
this initiative and if the required
and bakery products along with packaged
amount of mandia is not available
millet grains and ready-to-cook products. An
investment of Rs. 50 lakhs under the State then he will coordinate with other
plan, 20 lakhs under DMF Keonjhar and 10 districts for its supply. The millets
lakhs under DMF Sundargarh. An amount of are stored with TDCCOL and
Rs. 10 lakhs per café is planned, 70% to be DSWO looks after requirement,
provided by OMM and 30% to be contributed processing, mixing and supply
by the SHG.81 of Ragi Ladoo mix to the AWC.
CDPO/ Lady Supervisors look
Convergence has also been undertaken
after processing, ensuring proper
with the Department of Women and Child
Development for including millets in the hygiene during packing, supply
Supplementary Nutrition Program and with in consultation and coordination
the School & Mass Education Department with DSWO and also monitoring
for Mid-Day Meal (described above in the the distribution at the AWC. AWWs
section on mainstreaming millets in safety are making the mothers aware
net). Convergence with the Food Supply and about its benefits.”-”
Consumer Welfare Department is taking place
– DC-ICDS, Keonjhar
to supply millets in PDS. Tribal Development
Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Limited
(TDCCOL) manages procurement.
81
Minutes of the review meeting on Odisha Millets Mission under chairmanship of Principal Secretary to the Govt., Department
of Agriculture & FE

5. Compendium of Best Practices
Qualitative data was collected from the OMM on the key research themes. Additionally,
blocks based on which best practices in the international best practices in millet
form of case studies have been developed production were researched and included in
as a compendium of best practices based the compendium.
Theme Best Practices
⚫ How OMM changed Badal Sahoo’s fortune
⚫ Bio-input Unit in Jashipur

Production
⚫ How Balaram Paik escaped the clutch of moneylenders
⚫ Millet Processing Unit in Mayurbhanj

Processing and Value
Addition ⚫ The Success Story of Koraput Cookies
⚫ Millet Girl Mili
⚫ Millets on Wheels
Consumption
⚫ “Finger Millet flour: A Magical Seed for Healthy Life”
⚫ Bio-input for Millet Production

Climate Resilience
⚫ Odisha’s First Solar Millet Processing Unit
⚫ Ragi Ladoo introduced at Anganwadis

Mainstreaming in Social
Safety Nets
⚫ The Story of Jyoti Dang – a progressive farmer from

Sundargarh
Gender and Inclusion ⚫ Female Pioneer of Millet Cultivation – Pratima Pradhan
⚫ Mandia Maa – SubasaMohanta
⚫ High Yield Pearl Millet in Burkina Faso

International Case
Stories ⚫ Reducing Anaemia through Millet Consumption in Niger

6. Discussions and Conclusions
While MSP has been announced at the empowerment. This can be further enhanced
National level for millets, this needs to be by increasing the role women play as a part
implemented through actual procurement for of FPOs and as CRPs. Further, the training on
social safety net schemes. Each State needs millet-based recipes should be targeted at
to assign budgets and minimum procurement the community as a whole rather than only
amounts each year to ensure continuous women to help break gender stereotypes on
millet demand. Odisha Millet Mission’s model the role of women being solely responsible for
of demand generation through inclusion in cooking at home. Additionally, an expansion
schemes like PDS, ICDS and MDM is something in the types of training being given to SHGs
that can be replicated by other States. and FPOs should be considered such as
However, this needs to be matched with packaging and marketing of products;
adequate supply and investment in research appropriate storage practices, creating value-
and development on high-yielding seeds and added products, etc. with more emphasis on
millet processing equipment. “learning by doing”.
Providing incentives to encourage farmers to Another key learning from OMM is its focus
convert fallow land to millet production areas on ‘pilot initiatives’, with some districts
under OMM has worked and several cases introducing initiatives such as solar energy-
of increase in farmer incomes were found powered processing unit and millet-based food
but the shift from wheat & rice production to trucks. However, it is important that these
millet production is slow. Introducing millets initiatives are scaled up and the learnings
into the everyday meals of people in both from these are shared with a wider audience.
rural and urban areas is the key to increasing It was seen during the interactive workshops
the demand and therefore supply of millets that districts did not have a lot of information
while reducing the daily dependence on rice on the initiatives being undertaken in other
and wheat. This not only needs extensive districts. Moreover, this needs to be an
campaigns to combat existing perceptions ongoing activity and the process needs to be
about millets but also encouraging the institutionalized with regular learning events.
private sector to come up with easy to cook
The Odisha Millet Mission has started a very
& palatable millet products and recipes.
successful initiative to mainstream millets
The benefits here will be multi-fold, on the
and has paved the way for other States to
nutrition status of the population along with
follow. Moving forward, to further strengthen
conserving the environment.
the project, it will be important to focus on
The focus of OMM on gender and inclusion ensuring market linkages as well as private
is noteworthy, with the program being sector engagement to ensure the sustainability
specifically targeted to the tribal population of the gains made beyond the lifecycle of the
and having an objective of women mission and the incentives it provides.

7. Way Forward and Recommendations
The situation analysis paved the way differ in the availability of infrastructure
for recommendations on the design, and expertise in operating machinery
implementations and scale-up of OMM. These as well as their capacity requirements.
have been divided into 4 sections – policy; Machines should therefore be available
implementation; capacity building; and as per the need of the CBO (for example,
linkages as given below: in those areas where grid electricity is
sporadically available, solar equipment be
installed). Involvement of the private sector
Policy Level or local entrepreneurs can be encouraged
⚫ Mechanism to assess and document for for such initiatives
all innovations to enable replication:
Under OMM, several innovations are
taking place about production, processing,
Implementation of OMM
and consumption. However, most are in ⚫ State-level campaign to promote millet
the pilot phase with the district taking consumption: OMM has indeed put
ownership of spearheading these. forward a strong impetus in increasing
Therefore, we do not see a standard set of the consumption of millets. However, this
practices being followed across the State. is largely centered on millet-producing
This documentation exercise (template areas where traditionally millets were
attached as Annex) is a good first step in already consumed. To further mainstream
developing a comprehensive repository the consumption of millets in urban
of all activities being undertaken across households and those areas where millet is
the State. However, moving forward a not cultivated, a campaign to showcase its
mechanism must be in place that will nutritional value, as well as the ways it can
help assess these innovations for their be prepared and consumed, can lead to a
effectiveness in providing a solution further increase in demand.
to a problem, ease of adoption by the ⚫ Encourage farmers to convert paddy/
community, and cost involved. Such other crop-land to millet cultivated
innovations then should be replicated land: It was seen that under OMM,
in multiple locations through quarterly currently, the increase in area under Ragi
exchange and capacity-building cultivation is a result of fallow lands being
mechanisms. Detailed implementation used to cultivate Ragi. Moving forward,
plans and budgetary allocations need to given the environmentally sustainable
be developed and disseminated within the nature of millets, the conversion of paddy
State as well as with other States for easy and rice fields to produce millets may be
replication. encouraged.
⚫ Customized machinery based on the ⚫ Focus on storage of seeds and millet
requirement and capacities of the CBO grains as much as their production:
for all types of millets: It is currently OMM has a strong focus on improving
seen that machinery available for millet agricultural productivity and increasing
processing is mostly of sub-par quality millet consumption. Some other aspect,
leading to poor quality of grains being which stakeholders felt should be
produced and distributed. Further, CBOs

emphasized on during the next phase standards, packaging, and marketing will
of OMM are the storage of inputs and be needed.
produce to reduce post-harvest losses.
⚫ A cadre of experts for troubleshooting
machine-related issues: Several millet
Capacity Building processing machines need specialized
⚫ Awareness and opportunity of maintenance and troubleshooting. A cadre
inter-cropping: Intercropping is an all- of mechanics should be created to ensure
encompassing term for the practice of proper upkeep of machines and their
growing two or more crops nearby: in continuous use.
the same row or bed, or in rows or strips
that are close enough for biological Linkages
interaction.82 Intercropping improves
⚫ Apex body/ network/ federation at the
the efficiency of resource use; lowers
district level to ensure market linkages,
the incidence of pests; and allows more
transfer of skills, etc.: To mainstream
effective management of cover crops.
millets across the State and Country, SHGs
This can be a useful practice in OMM,
and producers will need to be provided
particularly to introduce millets in those
with handholding support. Additionally,
areas where other cash crops are currently
getting the private sector to invest in millet
grown.
products will need concentrated effort. An
⚫ Exposure visits to different blocks apex body can provide a useful push in this
and districts for cross-learning: While direction.
training are provided to farmers, SHGs,
⚫ Millet centered industrial park including
FPOs etc. on various topics, stakeholders
all upstream and downstream industrial
felt that it would be beneficial for exposure
units for end-to-end millet processing,
visits to different blocks and districts to
value addition and packaging: The
be undertaken by the beneficiaries to
idea here is to provide an integrated
allow them to witness the activities being
infrastructure for the entire millet value
undertaken first-hand and have a more
chain in one location. Such a park will
practical learning experience.
not only provide a platform for various
⚫ Training to SHGs for packaging, millets-based units to operate under
marketing, etc. and ensure participation one roof but can also be used for
of a majority of SHGs: Currently SHGs demonstration purposes to encourage
are being trained to produce millet-based more entrepreneurs to invest in various
recipes. For them to produce marketable aspects of the millet value chain.
products, additional training on hygiene
82
https://www.sare.org/publications/crop-rotation-on-organic-farms/guidelines-for-intercropping/

8. Appendices
Research Framework
Research Theme Research Questions Sources
National Policy ⚫ What are GoI’s policy initiatives regarding millets National level
Initiatives – focused on improving production, development stakeholders
towards Millet of decentralized processing infrastructure,
Promotion market development and promoting household
consumption?
⚫ How has an enabling environment for millet

cultivation been ensured?
⚫ What are some critical challenges to millets

mainstreaming? How are these being addressed?
⚫ What policy gaps currently exist hindering millets

mainstreaming?
⚫ What is being done to counter the mainstreaming

of only certain kinds of millets such as Ragi?
⚫ What research areas regarding millets is the

government focused on?
⚫ What convergence activities are being undertaken

to mainstream millets?
⚫ Has attention been paid to the gender aspects of

millet cultivation and towards strengthening the
roles of women in the millets value chain?
⚫ What specific elements regarding the tribal

population have been incorporated in the millets
policies and what more needs to be done regarding
this aspect?
Development ⚫ With what objectives did OMM start and what is its State, District
Journey of linkage with NFSM sub-mission on Nutri-cereals? and Block level
Odisha Millets stakeholders
⚫ What kind of political commitment was received by
Mission
OMM for its establishment both at the state and at
the federal level?
⚫ Who are the federal and state-level stakeholders

involved in the establishment and its institutional
structure?

⚫ What were the biggest obstacles in the uptake of

millets?
⚫ What were the findings of the baseline studies

and how were they utilized in overcoming millet
production and consumption challenges?
⚫ How resources are mobilized and how did fund

allocation is done for state and federal institutions?
⚫ What were the challenges in adopting a

comprehensive approach that includes production,
processing, consumption, value addition, product
development, and marketing? How were they
overcome?
⚫ What was the planning process, and what is the

program delivery mechanism?
⚫ What protocols/standard operating procedures

have been defined and improvised by OMM, which
can be used by other States?
⚫ Describe OMM’s role in achieving food and

nutrition security in Odisha.
Reviving Millet ⚫ How has OMM led to improved productivity of National and
Cultivation as millet crops? State level
Climate Resilient stakeholder
⚫ What technology and international best practices
Crop
for improving productivity in the State were
considered and adopted?
⚫ What is the operational model of custom hiring

centers? How did they help in reducing the post-
production drudgery associated with millet
production especially with smallholder farmers?
⚫ How were the traditional skills in millet production

of South and West Odisha’s farmers utilized?
⚫ What is the role of the community resource person

cadre in extending last-mile farmer support and
disseminating knowledge? How feasible is the CRP
model for scale-up and replication by other States?
⚫ What specific interventions were taken to promote

household-level millet consumption in urban and
small towns?

⚫ How can millet production help farmers overcome

climate-related challenges?
⚫ What is the learning of implementing programs

through farmer producer organizations?
⚫ What role did research play in improving millet

productivity, especially by promoting seed
diversity?
⚫ How did OMM regulate remuneration for millet

crops to encourage more farmers? What role did
farmer incentives play in this?
⚫ What are some of the benefits of growing

millets that have emerged (examples - reduced
agricultural water demand, greenhouse gas
emissions, and energy use)?
Mainstreaming ⚫ What is the enabling policy and legal environment National and
Millets in for introducing millets in PDS? State, District
Safety-Nets and Block and
⚫ How has OMM aligned the procurement &
Community level
distribution of millets with the priorities of the
stakeholder
farmers, end users, government policy and
priorities of key stakeholders?
⚫ What were the critical elements of Direct Benefit

Transfer introduced by OMM for the adoption of
improved agronomic practices for millets? How
was the DBT implemented?
⚫ How was convergence achieved with ICDS

and PDS for the inclusion of millet in different
supplementary nutrition programs?
⚫ What was the response to including Ragi in ICDS?

Why was it restricted to 7 districts? What is the
plan for scale-up across the state?
⚫ Explain the advantages and constraints in the use

of the Millet Procurement Automation System
(M-PAS).
⚫ Detailed process flow study of procurement of

Ragi at MSP at scale through Millet Procurement
Automation System (M-PAS), distribution through
fair price shops and SHG's and utilization and
utilization at home and Anganwadi centers?

Gender & ⚫ What is the response of women in the areas State, District
Inclusion in where millet adoption has shown success? Has and Block &
Odisha Millets it led to improved quality of life in terms of Community level
Mission reduced drudgery, better nutrition and improved stakeholder
livelihoods?
⚫ What are the key gender and inclusive

development issues and constraints that OMM
faces and how are they addressed?
⚫ How was inclusion ensured in consumption

campaigns?
⚫ Did OMM’s activities lead to inclusive development

by improving the livelihood of women and
marginalized groups?
⚫ How has the mission engaged with the tribal

community, especially women?
⚫ What is OMM’s approach to enhancing access and

equity for target populations?
⚫ What are the gender relations that could affect

the achievement of sustainable results for millets
mainstreaming?
⚫ How has the decentralized processing of millets

been streamlined?
Multistakeholder ⚫ Who were the main stakeholders involved in National and

Partnership the planning of OMM? What were some critical State level
and Multi- considerations when designing the mission? stakeholder
Department ⚫ What are the specific roles are undertaken by
Convergence- WASSAN, NCDS and Govt of Odisha?
⚫ How have issues related to marketing, processing
loss of nutrients, capacities and community
empowerment been resolved?
⚫ Has OMM's unique architecture of
Multistakeholder partnership a) positively
impacted farmers' livelihood, b) improved
functionality of supply chains, and c) is sustainable?
Scale-Up and ⚫ How can millet mainstreaming be replicated in International,

Replicability in other states/ countries and under what conditions? National and
Other States State level
⚫ What are the various strategies, tools and
of India and stakeholder
modalities, including policy seminars, advocacy
Countries in
dialogues, in-field demonstration, and research
the Region/
partnerships to trigger the potential replication?
Elsewhere:

⚫ OMM’s program design & implementation,
Workshop Proceeding
budgetary allocations, departmental
Report convergence, partnerships, and capacity
development to recommend a scalable
Proceedings Report – Multi- operational model.
Stakeholder Workshop
⚫ OMM’s bottom-up participatory approach
Assessment and Documentation of Good to mobilize farmers and households for
Practices, Lessons Learned and Preparation improving production and consumption
of Policy Briefs for Millets Mainstreaming - respectively, and experiences/processes of
Odisha Millets Mission OMM’s integration in social safety-nets.
Date : 27 August 2021 ⚫ District level innovations, best practices

and lessons learned.
Time : 9.30 AM – 05.30 PM
Venue : Krushi Bhavan Auditorium, Attendees

Bhubaneswar The attendees of the validation workshop
consisted of representatives from the
Objective Department of Agriculture and Farmers’
The objective of the workshop was to Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha, World Food
understand the perspectives of a diverse set Program (WFP), WASSAN, NCDS, IPE Global,
of stakeholders on the following issues: Block Agricultural Officers (BAO) and Assistant
Agriculture Officers from each of Odisha
⚫ OMM’s objectives, its components, journey, Millets Mission’s implementing districts. The
and program delivery mechanism. detailed list of participants is provided in
Annex1.

Agenda
Time Session Resource Person
09.30 – 10.00 am Registration
Inagural Session
Department of
Agriculture and Farmers'
10.00 – 10.10 am Introduction & Context Setting
Empowerment, Govt. of
Odisha
GoO-WFP Collaboration: Contributions to Deputy Country Director,
10.10 – 10.20 am
improved food and nutrition security WFP, India
Objectives and scope of WFP-OMM Partnership –
10.20 – 10.30 am WFP India
Introducing IPE Global
Commissioner-cum-
10.30 – 10.40 am Perspectives of OMM in Agri Department
Secretary, DA&FE
10.40 10.45 am Vote of thanks Key Nodal Officer, OMM
10.45 -11.00 am Tea-break
Technical Session - I
11.00 – 11.20 am Study Methodology and Expected Outcomes IPE Global team
Joint Director of Agriculture
The OMM model and GoO perspective
(Nodal Officer) OMM
11.20 – 12.00 pm Overview of activities of SPMU, OMM (Highlights
of key achievements, success factors and capacity Scheme Officer, OMM
gaps)
Overview of activities of WASSAN (Highlights of key WASSAN Representative
12.00 – 12.30 pm
achievements, success factors and capacity gaps)
Overview of activities of NCDS (Highlights of key NCDS Representative
12.30 – 01.00 pm
achievements, success factors and capacity gaps)
01.00-1.30 pm Lunch break
Technical Session - II
Presentation by District teams (15-20 mins each, BAOs/AAOs
5 - 6 Teams). Each presentation will cover the
following 3 areas:
⚫ An overview of millet promotion activities in the Representatives of
01:30- 03.00pm district Facilitating Agencies
⚫ Best practices, innovations, field learnings etc.
⚫ Key challenges/barriers being faced in
implementation and from perspective of
sustainability
BAOs/AAOs
03.00-05.00pm Group Work and Synthesis Representatives of
Facilitating Agencies
5.00- 5.30 pm Wrap up, next steps and closing IPE Global and WFP Team

term correction of the program can be
Key points from the
undertaken, and the team must also focus
discussions on identifying gaps in program design and
implementation.
Inaugural Session: 4. GoO-WFP Collaboration: Contributions
1. Opening Remarks Himanshu S. Bal, State to improved food and nutrition security
Coordinator, WFP, Odisha Eric Kennefick, Deputy Country Director, WFP
Mr. Bal welcomed all the participants Mr. Kennefick shared details about WFP’s
and set the tone for the workshop. He work in food security, ending hunger
thanked the officials from the department in all forms, supporting smallholder
of agriculture and farmer’s welfare, farmers, and building sustainable &
representatives from implementing and resilient food systems. He also explained
research agencies, BAOs and AAOs from how the agency’s work aligns with the
the districts and colleagues from WFP and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
IPE Global for their time. He appreciated the effort made by the
Government of Odisha and implementing
2. Welcome Remarks Sri Hiranjan Mohanta, agencies to mainstream millets, a drought-
Jt. Director Agriculture, OMM resistant crop, under OMM.
Joint Director Agriculture moderated the
5. Objectives and scope of WFP-OMM
workshopand provided an overview of
Partnership Pradnya Paithankar, SDG
its purpose and agenda. He encouraged
everyone to provide their inputs freely as Manager, WFP
the purpose of the workshop was to learn Ms. Paithankar acknowledged and
from each other and improve the OMM appreciated GoO’s foresight in
initiative further. mainstreaming millets, even before they
were in focus by other States. She shared
3. Introduction & Context Setting Dr. M.
her experience in the field and how
Muthukumar, IAS, Director, Agriculture and she witnessed innovations driving the
Farmers Welfare productivity and profitability of millets.
The Director provided an overview of The role of technology in the future
OMM and expressed his pleasure at expansion of OMM was also highlighted
OMM’s success in motivating farmers by her. She expressed how 2023 being
and building their confidence. He shared the international year of millets presents
that expansion of OMM to a further 60- us with an opportunity to take our
65 blocks, beyond the current 84 blocks, learnings to a global forum and how this
is in the works. He mentioned the health documentation process will contribute to
benefits of all types of millets and how it. She finished by describing the workshop
massive procurement and distribution objectives and introducing IPE Global
activities were being undertaken for its Limited.
mainstreaming. He also stated that while
6. Perspectives of OMM in Agri
farmers are knowledgeable and aware, it
Department Sri Suresh Kumar Vashishth,
is critical that knowledge sharing between
IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary
districts and states is undertaken. He
ended his address by stressing that the The Commissioner-cum-Secretary started
documentation exercise of OMM should by describing OMM’s journey and how
be a learning exercise so that mid- it was started when a declining trend

in millet cultivation was seen 5-6 years level. He mentioned that the bottom-up
ago. He stated how high the stakes are participatory model of the mission has
with regard to the program and how provided satisfactory results till now and
program monitoring is being done at the continues to grow daily. He further added
highest level in the State. He appreciated that the success of OMM is recognized
the increase in acreage and yield that is globally and therefore to assess the best
seen due to OMM and how as a result of practices, lessons learned, and challenges
millet cultivation, climate-related stress of the mission, the World Food Program
has reduced. He also reiterated that the (WFP) has partnered with the Government
workshop needs to be learning-oriented of Odisha. He concluded by saying
with a focus on areas of improvement for that this assessment will be helpful to
the program. disseminate the OMM model nationally
and internationally.
Technical Session 1 9. OMM journey so far and way forward,
7. Study Methodology and Expected Kalpana Pradhan, Scheme officer
Outcomes Vinit Pattnaik, Team Leader, IPE Scheme Officer, OMM spoke about the
Global thinking behind designing OMM and the
Mr. Pattnaik provided an overview efforts incorporated to make it a success.
of the documentation exercise being She further said that the goal of the
undertaken and its aim to take stock mission is to include millets in the farm
of the achievements made by OMM, and on the plates of the country thus
the operational model followed, plans making it a food habit. She further added
and lessons learned since its launch. that the journey of OMM was started in
He focused on the learning principle of 2017-18 from 7 districts and currently is
the exercise and emphasized that this is in its 4th year of implementation. The
not an evaluation being undertaken. He area under coverage has also increased
explained the methodology, phases of to 84 blocks in 15 districts. Looking at the
the assignment and the mixed-method success of the program and the budget
research approach being adopted that outlay of 570 crores, it can be extended for
includes primary data collection in the the next five years, covering another 64
form of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), blocks. She concluded by highlighting best
In-depth Interviews (IDIs), Focus Group practices like usage of organic manure and
Discussion (FGDs) and observations from the cycle weeder in millet cultivation which
the field combined with a document have increased the yield of millets from 5
and literature review to corroborate the quintals/hectare to 12 quintals/hectare.
primary data. He went on to share the
10. Regional Coordinator WASSAN, Prakash
current stage of the exercise and how
Mallick
primary data collection is currently being
undertaken, which will pave the way for a The WASSAN representative shared the
top-line findings workshop in September. partnership model of OMM. He said that
OMM is a one-of-a-kind program where
8. Program Delivery and OMM success, Sri Government, Academia & Civil Society
Hiranjan Mohanta, Jt. Director Agriculture, Organizations are on a mission to revive
OMM millets on the farm and on the plates.
PD-ATMA gave an in-depth review of the Therefore, the partnership model of
program delivery at the State and district OMM is one of the critical factors behind

its success. He further added that the of millets can reduce malnutrition among
partnered organizations are continuously children, and it is also good for health. He
working on the capacity building of shared the implementation model of OMM
relevant stakeholders. Before the launch in the Koraput district, which involves
of OMM, the implementation was multiple facilitating agencies (FA) like
delayed. However, since 2017 partnering DHAN foundation, PRADAN, Pragati etc.
organizations are working in close As an achievement, he said that over three
coordination to execute OMM effectively. years, OMM has expanded to 10 blocks
He explained the roles and responsibilities of Koraput and covers 22,000 farmers
of WASSAN including capacity building and 40 custom hiring centers (CHCs). He
training of master trainers, development concluded by stating several challenges
& design of IEC materials, coordination faced by the district team in implementing
with concerned district-level officials, the programi.e. mountainous terrain with
and announcement audio, street play steep slopes, non-availability of millets in
script, etc. He concluded by stating a ready to eat (RTE) & ready to cook form,
few achievements of WASSAN in the last and processing and marketing of millets.
4 years such as organizing 1752 events
and conducting training covering 8.4 lakh 13. BAO Nuapada, Himanshu Mahapatra
stakeholders. BAO Nuapada explained the journey,
achievements, and challenges of OMM
11. Sr. Research Scientist, NCDS, Chittaranjan
implementation. He mentioned that in
Dash
Nuapada, OMM is being implemented in
State Coordinator NCDS started by sharing 3 out of 5 blocks and is currently covering
the objectives of OMM and the role of over 5000 farmers. He further elaborated
NCDS. He said that the role of NCDS as a on the bottom-up approach followed
research secretariat is to conduct baseline by the team which includes enrolment
surveys, midterm evaluations, third-party of millet farmers as shareholders,
end-line evaluations, and make policy-level empowering the CBOs/FPOs, engaging
recommendations. He also shared their with PVTGs – ChuktiaBhunjia community
analysis on the declining production and and assuring livelihood support for the
consumption of Ragi before the launch community. These interventions have
of the OMM program. On these lines, increased the millet coverage to 6802.4
he mentioned that Ragi is considered as hectares in the district in the last 4 years.
the food for poor people and therefore
people are reluctant to make it a food 14. Secretary, Ahinsha club, Siba Prasad
habit, thus reducing its consumption and Sahoo
production. He concluded by stating that Secretary, Ahinsha club started by
OMM has many success stories including explaining the geography of the district,
the replacement of cotton production by as it comprises of two sub-divisions, 12
millets production in some areas in the tehsils and 12 blocks. The OMM program
state. has covered 405 villages, 95 panchayats
and 5 blocks in the district. He detailed
12. AAO Koraput, Rudramadhab Naik
out several activities involved in millet
AAO Koraput started his presentation promotion like restoring and improving
by stating that millets are multipurpose household-level consumption through
crops, which can be used as food, feed, campaigns, food festivals, dissemination
and fuel. Additionally, the consumption of leaflets, booklets, videos, training

on recipes, block-level and district level of Millet Intensification (SMI) and Line
workshops, providing support to WSHGs/ Transplanting (LT) that are being used in
FPOs for establishing processing units. the district to increase the yield of millets.
He also shared the team’s experiences He named the facilitating agencies in these
with setting up enterprises at cluster 4 blocks and explained the process of
level for promoting local consumption OMM implementation on the ground. He
and improving productivity by promoting concluded by stating the major challenges
locally acclimatized varieties, setting up of OMM implementation are the un-
community seed centers, building capacity availability of heavy-duty (minimum 10
on agronomic practices, organizing quintal/hour) ragi threshing machines and
exposure visits, and setting up kiosks dearth of processing/ threshing units for
and millets on the wheel in five blocks for other millets and marketing.
promoting millet-based food products. He
17. AAO, Bolangir, Amrith Lugun
concluded by saying that all these efforts
led to the procurement of 3989.46 quintals AAO, Bolangir described how despite the
of ragi in the last 2 years. ongoing pandemic, the area under millet
cultivation has increased because of the
15. CREFDA Mayurbhanj, Dhaneswar Mahanta awareness of the program, availability of
CREFDA Mayurbhanj spoke about five tine cultivators and inclusion of social
the journey of OMM planning and media like YouTube and WhatsApp. He
implementation in Mayurbhanj and concluded the presentation session by
mentioned that at present out of 36 saying that in the coming years, to meet
blocks 3 are covered under OMM. He the objectives of OMM, backward and
added that Mayurbhanj was the first forward integration of millets will need to
district to establish the District Program be focused.
Management Unit (DPMU) and 1st to start
Millet on wheels in Odisha. He mentioned Technical Session 2
that before the launch of OMM, only 7
kiosks (small outlets for the promotion of 18. Group Work
millet-based products) were operational. The group work was based on the six core
This number has gone up to 10 fully OMM themes, groups were formed to discuss
operational outlets after the launch of the following three questions:
OMM.
1. What initiatives and innovations have been
16. AAO Rayagada, Gajapati, Bhabendra undertaken regarding your theme?
Mahanta
2. What challenges remain and what action
AAO Gajapati said that 4 blocks in the can be undertaken to mitigate these?
district are covered under OMM as the
millet production requires low inputs 3. How can the sustainability of these
and organic fertilizers. He explained initiatives be ensured?
about the technologies like the System

Each group was facilitated by a WFP or IPE representative. The key findings of the group work are
shared in the table below.
Initiatives and
Groups and Challenges and Sustainability of the
innovations
Themes Mitigations initiatives
undertaken
Group 1- 1. System of Millet 1. High Sloppy 1. Scaling-up production

Improving Intensification land- Soil (agronomic practices, seeds,
Millet (SMI) & Water post-harvest technologies)
production Conservation
2. Improved 2. Focus on promotion of other
and its value
Agronomic 2. Disaster/ millets (Little Millet, Foxtail
chain
Practices Climate Millet, Barnyard Millet,
Change- Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Brown
3. Incentives to
Ensuring top Millet)
farmer
critical
3. Establishment of proper
4. Post- Harvest irrigation
marketing system- Packaging
Technology facilities
& branding
(Ragi Thresher)
3. Quality
4. Soil and Water Conservation
5. Primary Seeds- Seed
through Natural Resources
Processing Unit Production &
Management.
Conservation
6. Awareness &
of Indigenous 5. Strengthening of Community
Training
Seeds Institutions (FPOs, CBOs,
SHGs)
4. Harvesting-
Mechanization
Group 2- 1. Established 1. Technologies 1. Massive awareness camps for

Increasing flour machine for value adoption of food habits.
Millet for ragi addition and
2. Inclusion of millets in
Consumption processing processing-
government-initiated training
Capacity
2. Opened Kiosk center/ hostels, hospitals, and
building
Center at Block different institutions.
training &
level/District
awareness 3. Increasing ragi quantity in PDS
3. Running and reduce rice slowly.
2. Establishing
food van in
value addition 4. Skill development training for
operational/
and processing WSHGs on millets recipe, value
nearby areas
unit- Establish addition and processing.
4. Organized food small scale
5. Small scale enterprise
festivals in processing
development should be given
operational area unit at GPs
focused.
level
5. Inclusion of Ragi
6. Special support both technical
Ladu in AWC. 3. Market
and financial to SHGs/
promotion-
6. Distribution of Producer Group/FPOs on
Market
Ragi in PDS millets-based business
promotion
through Mart/
Food stalls

Initiatives and
innovations
undertaken
Group 3- Use 1. Power Tiller 1. Lack of source 1. Incentivization, credit facility,

of Technology tractor- used of irrigation convergence
in the Millet for cultivation,
2. Packaging 2. Convergence through
Value Chain tillage, showing
MGNREGS for creation/
and weeding 3. Supply chain
renovation of irrigation source
2. Plant Protection 4. Unrealized
3. Solar reversible energy
potential of
3. Cycle Weeder
technology 4. FPO should be strengthened
4. Irrigation
5. Electricity 5. Capacity building of the users
support
group
6. Technological changes and

Training to operator
7. Branding and moisture proof

packaging
Group 4- Little Millets 1. Lack of 1. MSP for all millets

Reviving improvised
1. High Price in 2. The strong market linkage
Millets as variety of
Local Market between farmer & govt./
a Climate seeds- Easy
private
Resilient Crop 2. No irrigation/ access of an
pesticide improved 3. Investment in R&D
variety of
3. High Demand in 4. Promotion of bio/ organic
seeds
the market inputs
2. MSP not
available-MSP 5. Technology inclusion/
for millets processing/ digital
must be fixed environment access/ solar
Group 5- 1. Ragi Ladoo as 1. People don’t 1. Use cultural context in

Mainstreaming a part of Hot want to take safety security schemes. Can
Millets in Cooked Meals ragi or ragi introduce millets instead of
Safety-Nets at AWC products rice in schools and AWCs.
in ragi 2. Make millets based healthy
2. Sorghum-
consumption/ products that will appeal to
Ragi Ladoo as
production children
morning snacks
belts-
in MDM on a 3. Marketing of other millets also
pilot basis 2. Ragi should needs to be addressed
be provided in
4. Easily available ready-to-
PDS in Urban
eat food options need to
belts/ not ragi
be promoted for increasing
cultivating
household-level millet
belts
consumption.

Initiatives and
innovations
undertaken
3. 1 kg Ragi as a 3. People sell 5. Advertising/ branding of millet

part of PDS in millets given products for promoting sales.
OMM districts in PDS in the
6. The volume of millets
in both urban markets
procured, sold, and processed
and rural areas
4. Shelf life of is currently very less. We need
ladoo can be to increase volume to reach
an issue ( 7 out to the entire state and also
days only) promote the standardization
of products.
7. Processing instrument
availability is a concern both
for Ragi and other millets.
Group 6- 1. Due to cycle 1. Limited 1. Proper training, market,

Gender & wider, it helps Training/ processing unit to be done
Inclusion in reducing awareness-
2. FPO should be strengthened
in Millets drudgery more
Cultivation and awareness to 3. More focus to be done on the
2. Improves
Value Chain be done export of millets
the Income
generation 2. Limited 4. Popularization of millets
through Infrastructure- through different food security
different SHGs More government schemes
infrastructure
3. Improves their
to be
socio-economic
developed
status
3. Limited
4. Gets proper
women-
training and
friendly
knowledge
machineries-
Introduction
of women-
friendly
machinery
4. Language
barrier- IEC
activities to be
done in local
tribal language

List of Participants
S.No. Name of participant Designation and District
1. Ashok Ku. Kar BAO, Bangiriposi
2. Sisir Ku. Bishoyi AAO, Patrapur
3. Tapas Ch. Roy AAO, Dasmantpur
4. Hemanta Ku. BAO, Rajgangpur
5. Rohita Ku. Mishra BC, Keonjhar
6. Rudramadhab Naik AAO, Koraput
7. Prakash Ch. Mallik OMM regional Co.
9. Ankit Sud HOU SOI WFP
10. AmrithLugun AAO, Bolangir
11. SuryakantaSethy AAO, Gajpati
12. Pradnya Pathankar WFP
13. Nitin Ku. Hota Research Asst. NCDS
14. Dr. Chittaranjan Dash SRO NCDS
15. S.N. Kumar BDC, Rayagada
16. Dillip Ku. Mohanty BAO, Nuagaon
17. Dr. Kumud Ch. Behera Director, Ganjam
18. GyanaranjanPanigrahi AAO c/o CDAP(R)

19. S. Bheema Rao Secretary VIEWS
20. PK Dalai TL Surakhya, Gajapati
21. Prasanta Ku. Mohanty ABC,OMMGanjam
22. Bironchi N. Mohapatra SecretaryCPWS,Nuapada
23. Suresh Ku. Rout Secretary,Pallivikash,Nuapada
24. Brundaban Behera BAO,Daringbadi
25. Sarat Ku. Baral Gram Swaraj, Mayurbhanj
26. Jagannath Durga ABC SAHARA, Nabrangpur
27. Herman Bera ABC Sundargarh
28. SasikantaBardhan Add. Co., Sundargarh
29. NabakishorSethy BAO, Jashipur
30. Pranay Sinha PPO, SSTC, WFP
31. Siba Prasad Sahoo Secretary,Ahinsha club Bargarh
32. Saroj Rn. Pattnaik Secretary PROGRESS
33. Debabrata Mallik BDC, Anugl
34. AmreshRoutray AAO, Keonjhar
35. Himansahu Ku. Mohanty BAO, Nuapada

36. Rajkishor Swain AAo, Ganjam
37. Tapas Rn. Pradhan AAO, Ganjam
38. Srimanta Khuntia IPE Global
39. Shradha Das IPE Global
40. Lipika Patra IPE Global
41. Kriti Gupta IPE Global
42. Bijaya Ku. Nayak RC DHAN Foundation, Koraput
43. Ramesh Ch. Swain Sr. Program Manager CYSD
44. Rakesh Ku. Nayak BPC, OMM TSRD
45. Kunjabala Pradhan Program officer LWA
46. Bipin Bihari Jena BPC JhumpuraKeonjhar
47. Bhabendra Mahanta AAO Mohana Block, Gajapati
48. AnirudhaTarei Polosara
49. Ratikanta Mohanty AAO Keonjhar
50. Divya Tiwan M&E Office
51. D. Jagannath President SWWS, Gajapati
52. Chandra Mohan Chand BAO Langigarh block, Kalahandi

53. Purnendu Partha Sarathi Panda BPC,OMM, Langigarh, Kalahandi
54. MahendraPorida BC Jagruti, Kandhamal
55. Satyanarayan Mallick Prog. Coordinator ,Kandhamal
56. NilakanthaPorida AAO, Nabrangpur
57. Dhaneswar Mahanta CREFDA Mayurbhanj
58. Ajit Ku. Pradhan Member Secretary, Lokoshakti
59. Kishor Ch. Dubey AAO, Malkangiri
60. Vinit Pattnaik Associate Director IPE Global
61. Sudarshan Behera BAO, Paikpur
62. Deeptimayee Singh AAO Kishorenagar Anugul
63. Sabyasachi Hanuman DC WASSAN, Kandhamal

List of interviews and focus group discussions
District SN. List of Transcription Documents Type
Kandhamal 1 FGD_CHC_SHG_Baliguda_Kandhamal FGD
Kandhamal 2 FGD_SHG_Baliguda_Kandhamal FGD
Kandhamal 3 IDI_AAO_Baliguda_Kandhamal IDI
Kandhamal 4 IDI_AAO_Raikia_Kandhamal IDI
Kandhamal 5 IDI_CDAO_Kandhamal IDI
Kandhamal 6 IDI_DC_WASSAN_Kandhamal IDI
Kandhamal 7 IDI_FA_Baliguda_Kandhamal IDI
Kandhamal 8 IDI_FA_Raikia_Kandhamal IDI
Kandhamal 9 KII_CRP_Baliguda_Kandhamal KII
Kandhamal 10 KII_CRP_Raikia_Kandhamal KII
Kandhamal 11 KII_FPO_Baliguda_Kandhamal KII
Kandhamal 12 KII_FPO_Raikia_Kandhamal KII
Kandhamal 13 KII_TDCCOL_Baliguda_Kandhamal KII
Kandhamal 14 KII_IndividualFarmer_PratimaPradhan_Raikia KII
Kandhamal 15 KII_IndividualFarmer_SibaramPradhan_Raikia KII
Kandhamal 16 KII_IndividualFarmer_Goura Chandra Digal_Raikia KII
Kandhamal 17 KII_IndividualFarmer_PravakarDigal_Raikia KII

Kandhamal 18 KII_IndividualFarmer_MinatiMalik_Baliguda KII
Kandhamal 19 KII_IndividualFarmer_ResimaMalik_Baliguda KII
Kandhamal 20 KII_IndividualFarmer_LaxmanMalik_Baliguda KII
Kandhamal 21 KII_IndividualFarmer_NuramaniMallik_Baliguda KII
Keonjhar 22 FGD_MaaHingulaSHG_Kaunrikala_KeonjharSadar FGD
Keonjhar 23 FGD_Seedcentre_Baradapal_KeonjharSadar FGD
Keonjhar 24 FGD_CHC_Jhumpura_Keonjhar FGD
Keonjhar 25 FGD_SHG_Jhumpura_Kenonjhar FGD
Keonjhar 26 IDI_FA_Jhumpura_Keonjhar IDI
Keonjhar 27 IDI_AAO_Jhumpura_Keonjhar IDI
Keonjhar 28 IDI_CDAO_Keonjhar IDI
Keonjhar 29 IDI_DC_WASSAN_Kandhamal IDI
Keonjhar 30 IDI_FA_KeonjharSadar IDI
Keonjhar 31 KII_DC_ICDS_Keonjhar KII
Keonjhar 32 KII_DMF_Keonjhar KII
Keonjhar 33 KII_DSWO_Keonjhar KII
Keonjhar 34 KII_KrishnaSHG_Keonjhar(Rago ladooprocessing unit) KII
Keonjhar 35 KII_M-PAS (Exclusive) KII

KII_RadhakhusnaSHG_Keonjhar(Ragi ladoo mixing

Keonjhar 36 KII
unit)
Keonjhar 37 KII_Rinky_Panda_Value addition (Case Study) KII
Keonjhar 38 KII_Seedcenter_Jhumpura KII
Keonjhar 39 KII_TDCCOL_Keonjhar KII
Keonjhar 40 KII_AWW_Kaunrikala_KeonjharSadar KII
Keonjhar 41 KII_CRP_BadalSahu_Khuntapada_KeonjharSadar KII
Mayurbhanj 42 FGD_BinodiniSHG_Bangiriposi FGD
Mayurbhanj 43 FGD_MaaHingulaSHG_Jashipur FGD
Mayurbhanj 44 FGD_MaaSaraswatiSHG_Jashipur FGD
Mayurbhanj 45 FGD_Maa Situla SHG_Bangiriposi FGD
Mayurbhanj 46 IDI_BAO_Bangiriposi IDI
Mayurbhanj 47 IDI_AAO_Jashipur IDI
Mayurbhanj 48 IDI_DC WASSN IDI
Mayurbhanj 49 IDI_FA_Bangiriposi IDI
Mayurbhanj 50 IDI_FA_Jashipur IDI
Mayurbhanj 51 IDI_SchemeOfficer_Mayurbhanj IDI
Mayurbhanj 52 KII_AWW_Jashipur KII

Mayurbhanj 53 KII_CRP_Shamsundarpur_Bangiriposi KII
Mayurbhanj 54 KII_CRP_Badagaon_Bangiriposi KII
Mayurbhanj 55 KII_IndividualFarmer_Bangiriposi KII
Mayurbhanj 56 KII_TiffinCentre_Bangiriposi KII
Mayurbhanj 57 KII_LAMPS_Bangiroposi KII
Mayurbhanj 58 KII_PDS_Jashipur KII
Mayurbhanj 59 KII_IndividualFarmer_Jashipur KII
Mayurbhanj 60 KII_Individual Farmer (MandiaMaa)_Jashipur KII
Nuapada 61 FGD_Ekata Producer Group_Boden FGD
Nuapada 62 FGD_Jay Maa Baishnodevi_Komna FGD
Nuapada 63 FGD_Maa Dharani SHG_Komna FGD
Nuapada 64 FGD_MaaSubhalaxmiSHG_Boden FGD
Nuapada 65 IDI_DC WASSAN_Kandhamal IDI
Nuapada 66 IDI_FA_Boden IDI
Nuapada 67 IDI_Schemeofficer_Nuapada IDI
Nuapada 68 KII_DwarsaniFPO_Boden KII
Nuapada 69 IDI_FA_Komna IDI
Nuapada 70 KII_DhanisBag_IndivisualFarmer_Nuapada KII

Nuapada 71 KII_MaaSunadeiFPO_Komna KII
Nuapada 72 KII_IndividualFarmer_SunitaSabar_Komna KII
Sundargarh 73 FGD_GangpurFPO_Rajgangpur FGD
Sundargarh 74 FGD_GitaSHG_Kuharamunda FGD
Sundargarh 75 FGD_SaniaSHG_Kuharamunda FGD
Sundargarh 76 IDI_BAO_Kuharamunda IDI
Sundargarh 77 IDI_BAO_Rajgangpur IDI
Sundargarh 78 IDI_CDAO_Sundargardh IDI
Sundargarh 79 IDI_DC WASSAN_Sundargardh IDI
Sundargarh 80 KII_DMF_Sundargardh KII
Sundargarh 81 IDI_FA_Rajgangpur IDI
Sundargarh 82 IDI_FA_Kuharmunda IDI
Sundargarh 83 KII_JyotiDanga_Kuarmunda KII
Sundargarh 84 FGD_JyotiSHG_Rajgangpur FGD
Sundargarh 85 KII_Agrawal Millet Flour Mill_Rajgangpur_Sundargarh KII
Gajapati 86 FGD_Farmers_Mohana_Gajapati FGD
Gajapati 87 FGD_Farmers_R.Udayagiri_Gajapati FGD
Gajapati 88 FGD_Farmers_Jalibadi_Mohana_Gajapati FGD

Gajapati 89 FGD_SHG_S.Gudisahi_R.Udayagiri_Gajapati FGD
Gajapati 90 IDI_DC WASSAN_Gajapati IDI
Gajapati 91 IDI_FA_R.Udayagiri_Gajapati IDI
Gajapati 92 IDI_FA_Mohana_Gajapati IDI
Gajapati 93 KII_IndividualFarmer_BalaramPaik_Mohana_Gajapati KII
Gajapati 94 IDI_BAO_Mohana_Gajapati IDI
Koraput 95 FGD _Farmers_Dadiapadar_Baipariguda_Koraput FGD
Koraput 96 FGD_Farmers_Yubrajpetavill _Semuliguda_Koraput FGD
Koraput 97 FGD_SHG_Billeigudavillage_Semuliguda_Koraput FGD
Koraput 98 FGD_Farmer_Kandapadapadar_ Baipariguda_koraput FGD
Koraput 99 IDI_FA_Baipariguda_Koraput IDI
Koraput 100 IDI_CDAO_Koraput (Scheme Officer) IDI
Koraput 101 IDI_FA_Semuliguda_Koraput IDI
Koraput 102 IDI_AAO Simuliguda_Koraput IDI
Koraput 103 IDI_TapasRoy(AAO) &Bijay Naik (DHAN)_koraput IDI
Koraput 104 IDI_FPO_Baipariguda_Koraput IDI
Koraput 105 IDI_RC_WASSAN_Koraput IDI

Odisha Millet Mission –
District Good Practice Template
Name of the District
Point of Contact (Name)
Point of Contact (Phone Number)
Type of Innovation (Production/Value

Addition/Consumption etc.)
Coverage (No. of Blocks and Villages)
Objective Impact
Please state the aim and objective of the Please share the results from the intervention
intervention (quantitative wherever possible)
Activities Undertaken Lessons Learnt

Please list down the specific tasks and activities Kindly share the lessons learned from the
undertaken in detail intervention process
Resource Requirement Budget and Costing

Please state the inputs (human, material, and Please share the cost of each component for the
skills) are needed for the intervention intervention
Training Requirement
Please list down the type of training and recipient
of the training needed for the intervention

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Lessons from

Odisha Millets Mission

Lessons from Odisha Millets Mission | A Case for Mainstreaming Millets 3

Dr. M Muthukumar IAS,

4 Lessons from Odisha Millets Mission | A Case for Mainstreaming Millets

Adaptation through income diversiﬁcation, resilient varieties, and less

Lessons from Odisha Millets Mission | A Case for Mainstreaming Millets 7

AAO Assistant Agriculture Oﬃcer

ASHA Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture

ATMA Agricultural Technology Management Agency

CBO Community Based Organization

CFTIR Central Food Technological Research Institute

CHC Custom Hiring Centre

CRP Community Resource Person

DBT Direct Beneﬁciary Transfer

DRDA District Rural Development Agency

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FGD Focus Group Discussion

FPO Farmer Producer Organization

ICDS Integrated Child Development Services

IDI In-depth Interviews

IIFP Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology

IIMR Indian Institute of Millet Research

INSIMP Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millet Promotion

KII Key Informant Interviews

KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra

MGNREGA Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

MIS Management Information System

MoA& FW Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare

MoFPI Ministry of Food Processing Industries

M-PAS Millet Procurement Automation System (M-PAS)

MPR Monthly Progress Report

Lessons from Odisha Millets Mission | A Case for Mainstreaming Millets 9

MSME Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises

MSP Minimum Support Price

NCDS Nabakrushna Chaudhury Centre for Development Studies

NFSM National Food Security Mission

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

NIWCYD National Institute of Women, Child, and Youth Development

NNS National Nutrition Strategy

ODOP One District One Product

OMM Odisha Millet Mission

PDS Public Distribution System

PESA Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act

PM FME Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Enterprises

PMFBY Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

RADP Rainfed Area Development Program

RCS Recommended Cropping Systems

RESMISA Revalorizing Small Millets in Rainfed Regions of South Asia

RKVY Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

RRA Revitalizing Rainfed Agriculture

SHG Self-Help Group

SMFPA State Minor Forest Produce Association

SOE Statement of Expenditure

SPMU State Program Management Unit

TDCCOL Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Limited

Transforming India’s Green Revolution by Research to Empower Sustainable Food

VAW Village Agriculture Worker

WASSAN Watershed Support Services and Activities Network