What started off as a mission to advocate millet cultivation in just five villages a dozen years ago has now reached over 40 villages. But, K. Saraswathi, secretary of Sabala, an NGO that aims to empower women and redefine natural resource management, says that she wants to start a new movement that doubles the present count.
Perhaps, it is her undying love for millets and dedication to get an assured market for farmers produce made her win the top spot in ‘One MP-One Idea’ contest with a cash award of Rs.1.25 lakh.
Out of 112 participants who made their way to the Central government scheme contest from across the globe, nine got selected and Ms. Saraswathi’s concept of ‘Making food sovereignty villages through millet cultivation-providing healthy foods to consumers’ has now turned into cynosure of all eyes. “With the declining trend in agricultural production, the idea is to regain the lost glory of farm sector. After a 10-day long intensive research and constant interaction with farmers along with NGO representatives, I have floated the idea of setting up processing units to convert millets into ready to consume products and introduce them into public distribution system through my presentation,” she explains.
When asked about how she plans to spend the award money, she said: “I like to use Rs.1.25 lakh as revolving fund for Arogya Millets Producers Company Limited (farmers’ federation), an arm of Sabala.”
The rise in investment costs and lack of dry land agriculture is pushing farmers to consider alternative means of livelihood. Farmers play a crucial role in catering to the country’s food security goals. “However, they have been a neglected lot. Through our extensive advocacy on millet cultivation we would like to reach out to as many as possible and make a difference in their lives.
From establishing market linkage for farmers to getting assured market for their produce, catering to urban consumers directly to organising workshops and millet food festivals in rural areas, we have tied up with Millet Network of India to step up our campaigning for cost-effective millet cultivation,” she adds.
Through our extensive advocacy on millet cultivation we will like to reach out to as many as possible

Source : The Hindu