Summary:
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to deal with nutritional deficiency Odisha government has decided to promote large-scale production of millets in tribal pockets under Odisha Millet Mission . This will benefit around five lakh farmers especially in the rain deficit areas of the state, Naveen said.Under the Odisha Millet Mission 7444 acres of millet cultivation in 30 districts of seven districts have been started in 2017-18. Under this mission millets will be procured from farmers and include these highly nutritious food items in various nutritional security programmes and schemes.“Millets are an integral part of tribal life and a staple diet of tribals of Odisha since time immemorial. Millets are grown mostly in rain deficit areas by the small and marginal farmers. “Millet meals will be served as khichdi and upma under the ICDS and MDM programme twice a week,” the officer said.Besides, sale outlets of millet based programmes will be set up at 26 locations in Bhubaneswar and an awareness campaign will be launched from May 1, 2018..