FCI commences Ragi procurement from Odisha for the first time

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 20, 2025

In a landmark step for Odisha’s millet mission, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has begun procuring Ragi (finger millet) from the state for the first time. The Centre has set a target of lifting 40,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Ragi from Odisha for inclusion in the central pool, which will be distributed under various welfare schemes through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The first phase has already seen 2,642 MT of Ragi lifted from the tribal-dominated districts of Koraput and Nabarangpur. Andhra Pradesh has expressed interest in receiving 16,800 MT from this stock, while the remaining quantity will be progressively lifted from Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur districts.

This milestone is the outcome of coordinated efforts by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, the Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd, and the Department of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare. During the 2024–25 Kharif season, Odisha procured 75,000 MT of Ragi from over 64,000 farmers, earmarking 40,000 MT for supply to FCI.

The initiative is closely aligned with the Government of India’s push to promote millets as a key nutritional crop. Following the declaration of 2023 as the *International Year of Millets*, the focus has intensified on crops like Ragi, valued for their rich nutritional profile and ability to thrive in varied agro-climatic conditions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly described Ragi as a “superfood” vital to the nation’s nutritional security.

Odisha has been at the forefront of this movement through its flagship “Shree Anna Abhiyan”, which not only promotes millet cultivation but also emphasizes value addition, processing, and market linkages. For tribal regions where millets form a traditional dietary staple, this development marks a significant boost to both livelihoods and food security.