FCI Lifts Ragi from Odisha for the First Time

Centre to procure 40,000 tonnes of nutrient-rich millet for PDS; 2,642 tonnes already lifted from Koraput and Nabarangpur

Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to millet farmers of Odisha, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has, for the first time, lifted finger millet (Ragi) from the state for inclusion in the central pool. Recognised for its high nutritional value, Ragi will now reach households across the country through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and other food security schemes.

According to official sources, the Centre has expressed its intent to procure as much as 40,000 tonnes of Ragi from Odisha. Of this allocation, Andhra Pradesh has already confirmed its willingness to receive 16,800 tonnes. The initiative, officials said, not only ensures wider distribution of a superfood but also opens new market opportunities for millet growers in the state.

Marking the beginning of this effort, FCI has lifted 2,642 tonnes of Ragi from Koraput and Nabarangpur districts in the first phase. The remaining quantity will be gradually lifted from tribal-dominated regions, including Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur.

The Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department, the Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd, and the Food Supply & Consumer Welfare Department are jointly coordinating the procurement process. Officials say this collaboration is crucial to streamline the collection and ensure timely delivery of Ragi to the FCI.

In the ongoing 2024-25 Kharif season, Odisha has witnessed record participation in millet farming. Around 75,000 metric tonnes of Ragi were procured from over 64,000 farmers across the state. This highlights the growing emphasis on millets as both a livelihood option for farmers and a nutritious food choice for consumers.

State officials believe the FCI’s procurement will provide a stable and assured market for millet growers, encouraging more farmers to shift towards millet cultivation in the coming years.

The move to procure Ragi comes at a time when millets are gaining recognition globally. The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets to promote their cultivation, consumption, and value addition. Echoing this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly described millets such as Ragi as “superfoods,” citing their health benefits and role in tackling malnutrition.

Odisha, with its millet-rich tribal belts, has played a pioneering role in this movement. The state government has introduced multiple initiatives to scale up millet production, processing, and marketing.

To further encourage farmers, Odisha is implementing its flagship ‘Shree Anna Abhiyan,’ which focuses on expanding millet cultivation, improving productivity, and ensuring market linkages. The programme also aims to introduce more millet-based products into mainstream markets, schools, and nutrition schemes.

Agriculture experts say that large-scale procurement by FCI will give an additional push to this mission, enhancing both farmers’ incomes and the visibility of Odisha’s millets in the national market.

As the lifting of Ragi continues in phases, officials are optimistic that the initiative will benefit both consumers and producers. Farmers in Odisha’s tribal districts stand to gain steady returns, while millions of families across the country will get access to healthier food options through the PDS.

With 40,000 tonnes of Ragi set to enter the central pool, Odisha’s millet farmers are hopeful that this landmark move will pave the way for sustained demand and long-term prosperity.