Push Kodo-Kukti production on mission mode: CM Baghel

Highlighting the rising demand for minor millets globally, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday called for growing kodo, kutki (minor millets) and ragi on a mission mode to jack up production.

Chhattisgarh has a large area where minor millets and millets are grown. The procurement, processing and value addition can ensure better returns to farmers and employment to women self-help groups and youths, he said. Higher production will also push up consumption within the state, he said.

Baghel was holding a review meeting of the Forest Department here, an official statement said.

He said the state’s minor millet production is concentrated in the tribal areas of Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Jagdalpur, Dantewada and Sukma besides Rajnandgaon, Surguja, Kawardha and Bemetara.

Baghel said the Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay scheme has been extended to the minor millets (kodo, kutki) and they will be procured on minimum support price.

He said farmers’ clusters can be formed in select development blocks for production. Small processing units can be installed.

For increasing local consumption, minor millet cuisines can be included in ‘Gadhkalewa’ (state’s traditional cuisine centre). Additionally, it can be included in midday meals in schools.

The Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation will seek cooperation from the Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad, to promote millets.