Unlocking the constraints and developing effective strategies for milletpreneurship in Odisha

Abstract

Millet the crop of revitalisation is gaining popularity in the modern growing world. The study aims to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by millet entrepreneurs and to identify the potential strategies for their empowerment and sustainable growth.This research was conducted in two districts of Odisha, where millet-based community approaches have been implemented. A purposive sampling technique was employed for selecting the respondents involved in millet-based activities in the operational area, which includes both millet farmers as well as people engaged in millet-based activities. The data was collected through a structured interview schedule and analysed using Garret's raking technique. The results highlighted major challenges of the milletpreneurs in availing credit at the right time,market accessibility, poor infrastructure, procurement of non-ragi produce, hand-operated machineries, payback period of produces, etc. Policy interventions are recommended to address these challenges through skill development, adequate financial assistance, timely advisory services, and market linkages. These initiatives can further strengthen and contribute to sustainable livelihood, food security, self-employment, and economic development.