Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The government of Odisha Assembly was informed today that in the last three years, the State has produced 702.04 metric tons of millet. In response to a question from BJD member Bibhuti Balabantray, KV Singh Deo, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, stated that millet is grown in each of the State’s 30 districts. Over the last three years (2021–22, 2022–23, and 20230–24), 680.33 hectares of millet were planted, yielding 02.04 metric tons of primitive grains.
Millet production increased to 265.88 metric tons from 229.21 hectares of land in 2022–23 from 180.47 metric tons from 187.01 hectares in 2021–2022. Similar to this, the minister stated that in 2023–2024, 264.33 hectares of land were used to cultivate the ancient food grain, yielding 255.69 metric tons. Singh Deo went on to say that farmers who cultivate millets using technology are receiving incentives from the government.
Farmers have received instructions on how to apply more advanced farming techniques. The minister informed the Assembly that farmers receive high-quality seeds for maximum yields. Seeds are distributed by Farmer Producer Organizations and Women Self Help Groups-managed Community Seed Centers. Custom Hiring Centers are offering farmers cheap rates on agricultural equipment.
Farmers’ millet is purchased at the government-set Minimum Support Price (MSP), and the recipients get the purchased grains via the Public Distribution System (PDS). According to Singh Deo, the minimum support price for this year is set at Rs 4,290 per quintal.
