It is time millet cultivation and consumption was substantially promoted with increasing areas being brought under cultivation of this crop.
Speakers at a media-millet farmer deliberation held at the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation premises here on Friday also observed that focus should be on sensitising the public regarding the health benefits of millet and how it helps people from falling prey to various diseases.
Interacting with millet farmers from Paraja, Penthia and Kandh tribes of Kundura block, media persons wanted to include people from all sections of society in this campaign to encourage millet consumption. The farmers said millet gruel provides people energy to work. It is not only a belief but a scientifically-proven fact, they argued.
In order to cater to farmers’ needs and bring more people under enhanced food security cover, the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has set up a project at Kundura covering six villages under two panchyats. Cultivation has been undertaken on 410 acres on an experimental basis by using advanced technology and tools. The project has benefitted 270 tribal families in last three years.
Many initiatives like imparting advanced training to farmers, creating better marketing opportunities for SHGs to sell millet products in open market and awareness on millet health benefits have been taken by the Jeypore Regional Centre of the MSSRF, said foundation director KUK Namputri, senior scientist SVRamana and project chief Choudhry Sripati Mishra.