Odisha Unveils National Roadmap for Millet-Led Agricultural Transformation: Targets 5 Lakh Hectares Cultivation by 2047

In a landmark development for climate-resilient agriculture and nutritional security, the state of Odisha has formally outlined a comprehensive national roadmap for a millet-led agricultural transformation. During a high-level two-day national event on agro-biodiversity conservation, climate-resilient farming, and sustainable food systems inaugurated on November 10, 2026, in Bhubaneswar, top policymakers, agricultural scientists, and leadership convened to establish a sustainable blueprint for the country. The inaugural session was graced by Shri Braj Mohan Ram, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha; Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of Odisha; Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF); and Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Government of Odisha, along with eminent agricultural researchers and community leaders.

The strategic gathering focused on utilizing Odisha’s rich agrobiodiversity to tackle global challenges including changing climate patterns, deteriorating soil health, and widespread nutritional deficiencies. central to this initiative is the scaling up of opportunity crops, particularly millets (commonly recognized as Shree Anna), while reinforcing localized food systems under a holistic 'One Health' approach. The event featured an \textensive exhibition of indigenous crop diversity, cutting-edge farming equipment, millet-based value-added products, and interactive technical sessions with grassroots farmers.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

• Ambitious Expansion Targets: Odisha aims to expand millet cultivation area from the current 1.79 lakh hectares to 5 lakh hectares by the year 2047, targeting a total production of 8 lakh metric tonnes.
• Record Ragi Procurement: The state successfully achieved a ragi procurement of 7.5 lakh quintals during Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25, setting an expanded target of 8 lakh quintals for KMS 2025-26.
• Preservation of Indigenous Landraces: Special focus directed towards conserving 163 documented finger millet landraces and promoting traditional varieties such as Kalia, Bati, Mami, and Bharathi.
• Centre of Excellence on Millets: Proposal unveiled for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence on Millets at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR-IIMR), Hyderabad.
• Promotion of Minor Millets: Strategic plan to scale up scientific cultivation of minor millets including suan (Little Millet) and kangu (Foxtail Millet).
• Institutional & Enterprise Empowerment: Focus on developing affordable processing machinery, strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), empowering Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), and improving direct market linkages.

Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan: A Scalable Model for National Emulation

The transformation of Odisha’s agricultural landscape is anchored in the success of the Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan (Odisha Millet Mission). Launched to revitalize traditional millet farming across tribal and rainfed regions, the program has evolved into a global benchmark for sustainable food production. Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary DARE and Director General ICAR, commended the state’s decentralized approach, noting that Odisha’s model effectively demonstrates how traditional agricultural wisdom can be merged with modern scientific frameworks.

The state's systematic intervention spans the entire value chain—from supply of quality seed material and decentralized public procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) to urban consumer promotion and inclusion in state nutrition programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). By integrating millets into administrative welfare networks, Odisha has successfully created sustained demand, guaranteeing economic security for smallholder rainfed farmers while simultaneously battling chronic malnutrition in vulnerable demographics.

Agrobiodiversity Conservation & Indigenous Seed Revival

A central pillar of the newly released national roadmap is the systematic conservation of indigenous agrobiodiversity. Odisha’s tribal belts serve as living repositories of climate-resilient crop genetics. Agricultural scientists have documented over 163 distinct finger millet landraces across the state, many of which possess remarkable genetic resistance to droughts, pests, and soil salinity.

Traditional varieties such as Kalia, Bati, Mami, and Bharathi are being actively cataloged, purified, and multiplied for scientific cultivation. Rather than relying exclusively on high-yielding hybrids that require intense chemical inputs, the strategy prioritizes the preservation and improvement of these resilient landraces. Furthermore, the roadmap emphasizes mainstreaming minor millets such as suan (Little Millet) and kangu (Foxtail Millet), which require minimal water inputs and thrive under marginal soil conditions, rendering them ideal buffer crops against \textreme weather events caused by global climate change.

Long-Term Targets: Cultivation, Yield, and Procurement Strategy

To ensure measurable progression toward the 2047 centenary of India's independence, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Government of Odisha, has structured clear quantitative benchmarks:

1. Area Expansion: Cultivation will scale systematically from 1.79 lakh hectares to 5.0 lakh hectares by 2047. This expansion will focus primarily on fallow lands, rainfed regions, and multi-cropping systems without encroaching upon existing food grain tracts.

2. Production Volumetric Milestones: Output targets are set to reach 8 lakh metric tonnes annually by 2047, achieved through a combination of area expansion, improved agronomic practices, integrated nutrient management, and scientific crop geometry.

3. Procurement Resilience: Public procurement mechanism for finger millet (ragi) has shown unprecedented momentum. Building on the 7.5 lakh quintals procured in KMS 2024-25, state procurement agencies are equipped to capture 8 lakh quintals in KMS 2025-26, establishing guaranteed market access for remote smallholders.

Institutional Synergy: Establishing the Centre of Excellence at OUAT

Scientific innovation forms the backbone of Odisha's \textended millet roadmap. During the national event, ICAR proposed strengthening joint research initiatives between the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR-IIMR), Hyderabad, and local academic institutions. A key highlight of this proposal is the establishment of a dedicated Centre of Excellence on Millets at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar.

This prospective Centre of Excellence will serve as an advanced research hub for crop breeding, post-harvest technology, farm mechanization, and product diversification. It will address critical bottlenecks in the millet ecosystem, such as the development of affordable, small-scale primary processing equipment (dehullers, destoners, and flour mills) tailored for small farm sizes and remote rural terrain.

"Odisha’s rich agrobiodiversity and the proven success of the Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan offer a blueprint for the entire nation. By focusing on opportunity crops like millets, we address the twin challenges of climate change and nutritional security while building a localized, sustainable food system under the 'One Health' framework."
— Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary DARE & Director General, ICAR

Empowering Women’s SHGs, FPOs, and Enterprise Networks

The socio-economic architecture of Odisha’s millet movement relies heavily on social capital—specifically Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) under Mission Shakti and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The roadmap prioritizes decentralizing economic benefits by transferring post-harvest processing, value addition, and urban retail operations directly to community institutions.

WSHGs across Odisha are already managing local processing units, manufacturing millet-based snacks, bakery items, and ready-to-cook mixes, and running municipal millet tiffin centers. Under the expanded framework, ICAR-IIMR and state departments will provide advanced technical training, business incubation, branding support, and financial linkages to turn these grassroots groups into commercially viable micro-enterprises. Expanding direct market linkages and enterprise ecosystems ensures that a larger share of the consumer rupee flows back into rural economies.

Significance & National Impact

The establishment of a standardized national roadmap based on Odisha's experiences carries profound implications for India’s broader agricultural policy landscape:

1. Climate Adaptation & Water Security: Millets require up to 70% less water than paddy rice and can mature in shorter crop cycles. Transitioning dryland farming areas to millet production mitigates groundwater depletion and reduces vulnerability to monsoonal variations.

2. Combatting Hidden Hunger: Rich in bioavailable iron, calcium, dietary fiber, and micronutrients with a low glycemic index, millets offer a natural food-based solution to address widespread anemia and lifestyle diseases like diabetes.

3. Model for Decentralized Governance: By linking biodiversity conservation with community-led enterprises, public procurement systems, and nutritional welfare, Odisha provides a replicable framework for rainfed agricultural states across Asia and Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the core target set for millet cultivation in Odisha by 2047?

Odisha aims to expand its millet cultivation area from 1.79 lakh hectares to 5 lakh hectares by 2047, targeting a total production volume of 8 lakh metric tonnes.

Which traditional millet landraces are highlighted for conservation?

The roadmap emphasizes preserving 163 documented finger millet landraces, featuring traditional, resilient varieties such as Kalia, Bati, Mami, and Bharathi, alongside minor millets like suan (Little Millet) and kangu (Foxtail Millet).

What institution is proposed for the new Centre of Excellence on Millets?

The Centre of Excellence on Millets is proposed to be established at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar, in close research collaboration with ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad.

How does the roadmap empower rural women and smallholder farmers?

The roadmap integrates Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) into the processing and marketing value chains, providing affordable machinery, business incubation, and direct procurement at Minimum Support Prices.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2334764, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2334764&lang=1.