Millet Economy of Odisha: How Far It is Viable and Sustainable?

In view of various inherent advantages of millets in the dietary pattern, the present study attempts to assess various important issues relating to finger millet production in Odisha, which accounts for about 85 per cent share in total millet production of the state. The issues investigated in the study encompass evaluating changes in cropping pattern of the state over time, the extent of changes in area allocation and production of finger millet vis-à-vis other crops grown in the state, and assessing the profitability involved in the cultivation of finger millet in Odisha vis-à-vis other major cultivating States of India. A critical evaluation of costs and return estimates shows highly uneconomic proposition of finger millet cultivation in Odisha. The state of Odisha not only shows negative returns over total cost of production but even negative family labour income (FLI) from finger millet cultivation. The study suggests various corrective measures, which include significant expansion of yield through application of high-yielding variety seeds, curbing of cost of production with major reduction in labour cost and an increase in minimum support price. In order to promote finger millet cultivation, there is a need to promote drought resistant high yielding varieties. Unless farmers are protected against the price risk faced by them and get better prices for their crop, the effort to promote millets will remain futile. Since the emphasis is now being placed on achieving nutritional security, a balanced approach is needed in terms of production promotion and subsequent absorption at consumer’s end with greater emphasis on safeguarding the interest of producers of millet crops.