Odisha Govt launches ‘Odisha Millet Mission’ for Tribal areas

ONI Bureau:  In a bid to provide livelihood opportunities to tribals and promote millet cultivation in tribal areas across the State, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ‘Odisha Millet Mission’ on Monday.

An amount of Rs 100 crores will be spent during the next year for this purpose and around 5 lakh farmers will benefit in tribal and rain deficit areas of the State, Patnaik said.

Earlier last month, the State Govt have planned to introduce millets in public distribution system (PDS), mid-day meal scheme (MDM) and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) by the end of this year.

The Special Programme for Promotion of Millets in tribal areas, also known as the Mission on Millets, was launched in May last year in 7 districts of Odisha with an aim to increase household consumption.