Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has lifted finger Millet (Ragi) for the first time from Odisha. Considering its high nutritional value, the government of India has expressed its desire to lift 40 thousand metric tons of Ragi from the state to central pool through FCI for utilisation of under various schemes through Public Distribution System. Out of this target, Andhra Pradesh has expressed its willingness to receive 16 thousand 800 metric tonnes, so in the first phase, 2642 metric tonnes have been lifted through FCI from the districts of Koraput and Nabarangpur. The remaining quantity of Ragi will also be lifted in phases from tribal-dominated districts Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur. This feat is being achieved in collaboration with Departments of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment,Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Ltd & Food Supply & Consumer Welfare.

In the 2024-25 Kharif season, 75,000 metric tons of Ragi were procured from more than 64,000 farmers in the state. Out of this, FCI has fixed a target of 40,000 metric tons. In this regard, 2,642 metric tons of Mandia have been collected from Koraput and Nabarangpur.

The Government of India has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millet to promote the production, consumption and value addition of millet products. Similarly, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also emphasise Ragi as a super food highlighting its global recognition. Accordingly, the Odisha Government has also initiated various steps for the production of more nutritious and quality millets in the state under its “Shree Anna Abhiyan”.