Odisha Millet Roadmap 2026: Agricultural Transformation by 2047
Key points
Odisha has developed a roadmap for millet-led agricultural transformation, aiming to expand millet cultivation, promote climate-resilient agriculture and strengthen farmers' livelihoods. The initiative was highlighted during a two-day national event on Agro-Biodiversity Conservation, Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems, held in Bhubaneswar on 10–11 November 2026.
The roadmap focuses on expanding millet cultivation to 5 lakh hectares by 2047, increasing production to 8 lakh metric tonnes and conserving indigenous millet varieties. It builds on the achievements of the Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan, formerly known as the Odisha Millets Mission.
Key Highlights
State: Odisha
Event Location: Bhubaneswar
Current Millet Cultivation Area: 1.79 lakh hectares
Target Cultivation Area: 5 lakh hectares by 2047
Production Target: 8 lakh metric tonnes by 2047
Finger Millet Landraces Documented: 163
Ragi Procurement in 2024–25: 7.5 lakh quintals
Ragi Procurement Target for 2025–26: 8 lakh quintals
Major Initiative: Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan
Key Organisation: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Major Objectives of the Millet Roadmap
1. Expansion of Millet Cultivation
Odisha aims to expand millet cultivation from 1.79 lakh hectares to 5 lakh hectares by 2047. The initiative seeks to increase agricultural production while promoting sustainable farming practices.
2. Conservation of Traditional Millet Varieties
The roadmap emphasises the conservation of 163 documented finger millet landraces. Traditional varieties such as Kalia, Bati, Mami and Bharathi are important for preserving agricultural biodiversity and maintaining crop resilience.
3. Promotion of Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Millets require comparatively less water than many major cereal crops and can grow under challenging climatic conditions. Their cultivation supports climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture and improved food security.
4. Support for Farmers and Women's Groups
The initiative promotes the participation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in millet cultivation, processing, value addition and marketing.
5. Research and Technology Development
The roadmap encourages collaboration between ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT). A Centre of Excellence on Millets at OUAT has also been proposed to strengthen research and innovation.
6. Promotion of Minor Millets
The initiative supports traditional minor millets, including little millet (suan) and foxtail millet (kangu), to improve crop diversity and nutritional security.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
Odisha Shree Anna Abhiyan: A state government initiative promoting millet cultivation, traditional crop conservation, farmer livelihoods and sustainable food systems.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): India's apex agricultural research organisation, functioning under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research: Located in Hyderabad, Telangana, the institute conducts research on millet production, processing and crop improvement.
International Year of Millets: The United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets following India's initiative to promote these nutritious and climate-resilient crops.
Finger Millet (Ragi): A nutritious millet rich in calcium and widely cultivated in several Indian states, including Odisha and Karnataka.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Millets contribute to sustainable agriculture because many varieties tolerate low rainfall, high temperatures and challenging soil conditions.
Conclusion
Odisha's millet-led agricultural roadmap represents an important initiative for sustainable farming and nutritional security. By targeting 5 lakh hectares of millet cultivation and 8 lakh metric tonnes of production by 2047, the state aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, conserve traditional crops and promote climate-resilient agriculture.
