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Ragi Farmers Rejoice as Ragi was sent to AP from Koraput for the First Time
In a historic step for Odisha’s farmers, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has, for the first time, begun sending Ragi from the state to the markets outside the state . A total of 2,642 metric tons were sent by train to Andhra pradesh in the first phase out of the ragi procured from Koraput and Nabarangpur districts said Tripati Sahu , Divisional Manager of FCI at Jeypore . The move has brought a wave of happiness to Ragi farmers, who are now more eager than ever to expand its cultivation added Sarat Kumar Patnaik , Secretary of Koraput Farmers’ Association .
Ragi, long considered the “poor man’s food,” has now gained national recognition as a high-quality and highly nutritious crop. Under the Shri Anna Abhiyan, the Odisha government has been promoting Ragi production by supporting farmers through procurement incentives, marketing facilities, and awareness drives on its nutritional benefits. Promotional initiatives by the state government and more specifically the facilitation & planning from the production to procurement to the marketing strategies by Dr.Arabinda Kumar Padhee , Principal Secretary of Agriculture department played a key role in achieving this success , said Tapas Chandra Roy , Schematic officer in Millet Mission . With FCI’s interest, the crop is now entering the mainstream distribution system, ensuring it reaches millions of beneficiaries across the country , Mr.Roy added.
Odisha’s Ragi has been widely praised for its nutritional value and quality. In fact, FCI’s decision to procure it was based on the strong demand and superior food quality of Ragi grown in tribal-dominated districts like Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur. Out of the 40,000 metric tons targeted, neighboring Andhra Pradesh has already expressed its interest in taking 16,800 metric tons. The procurement process will continue in phases until the full target is met , Mr Sahu said .
During the 2024-25 Kharif season, Odisha collected an impressive 75,000 metric tons of Ragi from more than 64,000 farmers. Encouraged by better profits, lower cultivation costs, and assured procurement, farmers who earlier depended on paddy and linseed are increasingly shifting to Ragi farming. This diversification is boosting not only their income but also regional food security.
The year 2023, declared the International Year of Millets (Shri Anna) by the Government of India, further accelerated efforts to popularize Ragi as a superfood. Both the state & central government have consistently emphasized the importance of providing nutritious food such as Ragi to the people, a vision echoed by Odisha’s initiatives to empower farmers and promote healthy diets.
Today, Ragi-based products are no longer confined to rural kitchens but are prominently available in urban shopping malls. What was once known as a subsistence food has now transformed into a profitable, nutritious, and nationally recognized crop. With FCI’s procurement and government incentives, the smile on the faces of Odisha’s tribal farmers is only set to grow wider , Mr.Patnaik hoped .