The Odisha Cabinet approved a budget of Rs 2687.4587 crore for four years, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27, for the seamless implementation of the ‘Special Programme for Promotion of Millets-Odisha Millet Mission’ today.
The unique program, which began in 2017, aims to revitalize millets in farms and on plates in order to improve climate-resilient farming and treat vitamin insufficiency.
It came forth as a result of a collaboration between the government, academia (NODS), and civil society organizations (RRA Network, ASHA Network, and local NGOs).
It is the first agriculture initiative of its sort in Odisha, with a focus on increasing consumption.
The initiative is carried out by WSHGs/FPOs with the assistance of NGOs and research institutes, and is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment. The initiative is funded by the State Plan and the DMF.
The Millet Mission initiative began in 30 blocks across seven districts (Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nuapada, and Rayagada) in the initial phase of implementation (2017-18), and has since been expanded to 65 blocks across 11 districts.
During the 2021-22 school year, the initiative covered 84 blocks in 15 districts in its second and third phases. It has also been expanded to 142 blocks over 19 districts in 2022-23.
Currently, the Odisha government has expanded its implementation area from 142 blocks in 19 districts to 177 blocks in all 30 districts by 2023-24 onwards.
Source:OCN