Odisha Govt to Spend Rs. 2687.45 Cr for Promotion of Odisha Millets Mission

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has approved funds for the special programme for promotion of Odisha Millets Mission (OMM), which seeks to revive millets in farms and on plates.

The State Cabinet led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved an estimated budget of Rs. 2687.4587 crore for four years (2023-24 to 2028-27 financial years) for the smooth Implementation of the programme.

The special programme for promotion of millets “Odisha Millets Mission” was launched by the State Government in 2017 to revive millets in farms and on plates. It emerged from a consultation between Government, Academia (NCDS) and Civil Society Organizations (RRA Network, ASHA Network and local NGOs).

It is first of its kind of agriculture programme with priority on increasing consumptions in Odisha. The programme aims comprehensive revival of millets in farms and plates to promote climate resilient farming and contribute to addressing micronutrient deficiency.

The programme is implemented through WSHGs/FPOs with support of NGOs and research institutions with oversight from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment. The programme is supported through State Plan and DMF.

In the first phase of implementation (2017-18), the programme was operational in 30 blocks across seven districts (Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nuapada and Rayagada) and is subsequently, expanded to 65 blocks in 11 districts. In the second and third phase the programme reached out to 84 blocks in 15 districts during the year 2021-22.

Further it has been extended to 142 blocks of 19 districts during 2022-23.

Currently, the Government has increased its area of Implementation from 142 blocks in 19 districts to 177 blocks in all the 30 Districts from 2023-24 onwards.