The recently inaugurated millet based secondary food processing unit initiated by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in partnership with the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) and the Department of Mission Shakti in Semiliguda, Koraput, is improving the nutrition and well-being of children across four gram panchayats – or local self-government bodies in India at the rural level – Talagoluru, Kotia, Ampaballi and Peteru.
Read: August 2023 Issue of Food Infotech Magazine.
Simultaneously, it has nurtured a vibrant business ecosystem for women entrepreneurs there.
Committed to a monthly production of 1,200 kg for each product, the millet processing unit provides cost-effective and nutritious meals to children aged 5-15.
This initiative broadens their nutritional choices beyond traditional rice, pulses, soybean and egg-based meals.
During the inauguration ceremony held at Government High School in Ampaballi on the 11th September 2023, Mr. Pitam Padhi, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Odisha, commended the initiative.
“Finger Millet is grown extensively in Koraput and has long served as a dietary staple in tribal communities in this region.
“This initiative represents a significant effort to reconnect with our heritage while encouraging healthier dietary choices among our children” stated Mr. Padhi.
After trying a sweet millet dish, a student named Raja expressed his delight, calling it delicious and unlike any millet-based product he had ever tasted.
As the initiative gains momentum, the State Government aims to further its reach and assist more students in the Koraput district.
Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, praised the collaboration for its contribution to improving economic opportunities and enhancing children’s nutrition.
“As we mark the International Year of Millets 2023, this initiative stands as beacon of success, bolstering local economies and kindling optimism within millet-growing tribal farmers, women entrepreneurs, and schoolchildren.
“Beyond fortifying school meal programs, it charts a course towards a healthier and more prosperous future for the region” said Dr. Hughes.
Revolutionizing Nutrition with Convenience
ICRISAT has scientifically validated and developed three ready-to-cook finger millet-based products enriched with other nourishing ingredients such as foxtail millet, groundnut, pulses and jaggery, offering a well-balanced and nutritious dietary option.
“Utilizing innovative millet processing technologies ensures that these products are not only calorie-dense but also optimize the absorption of minerals and vitamins.
“They are easily digestible and, most importantly, appealing to children,” stated Dr. Saikat Mazumdar, Cluster Leader, Nutrition, Dietary Behaviour and Smart Food, ICRISAT.
Moreover, both ready-to-cook traditional and finger millet-based khichdi, upma and sweet meals can be conveniently prepared in just 15 minutes by adding water and boiling.
Boosting Millet Cultivation
Dr. M.L. Jat, Global Research Program Director, Resilient Farm and Food Systems, ICRISAT said that for building resilience and nutritional security, there is a renewed emphasis on the cultivation of millets globally.
“The Government of Odisha is promoting millets through its dedicated millet mission.
“By harnessing entrepreneurship opportunities within local communities through millet-based secondary food processing units, we aim to stimulate local demand for millets, thereby fostering increased millet cultivation within the state,” stated Dr. Jat.
Uplifting Rural Livelihoods
Earlier in August, Shri. Ranendra Pratap Swain, the Honourable Agriculture Minister of Odisha, visited the unit and commended ICRISAT’s efforts to uplift rural livelihoods.
Minister Swain assured support for the Unit’s success and said that a steady stream of orders for millet-based food products would be important to realize the full potential of such a state-of-the-art processing unit.
This millet-based processing unit, licensed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), operates nutri-mix and bakery processing lines, producing ready-to-cook and bakery products centred around millets.
It was established to empower local entrepreneurship, particularly among women and youth, while championing affordable nutrition for tribal and rural communities. Local self-help groups manage the processing unit, having undergone comprehensive training from ICRISAT in processing techniques, food safety protocols, quality management systems and effective marketing strategies.