| Millets are an excellent source of essential nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are gluten-free, have a low glycemic index, and have high antioxidant activity, which makes them a healthy alternative to rice or wheat. The enhanced consumption of millets will not only open up an avenue for the generation of employment and additional income for the stakeholders, but will also contribute to the nutritional security of society. To improve the income of millet-growing farmers by increasing production and strengthening the capacity of the farming community for value addition and marketing of value-added millet-based food products, improve the livelihood of farm women, and impart skill training to SHG women on processing technologies and production of millet-based products. Millet processing was established under the Tribal Sub Plan of ICAR-IIMR at KVK, Banavasi, in the year 2020 with a budget of Rs. 8 lakhs. The facilities were created with diverse equipment, like millet pre-cleaner, destoner, centrifugal dehuller; husk separator, pulverizer, flour shifter, roaster, and blender with a capacity of 100–300 kg/hr. Training programmes are conducted for farmers and farmwomen on the value addition of millet-based products every year. |
