Page 75 - Millets Natures NutriGrain

crop rotation, and soil health management. These practices not only
enhance the quality of millet produce but also contribute to the long-
term health of the soil and the environment.

4. Enhancing Market Linkages

One of the significant challenges faced by millet farmers in the
past was the lack of access to markets. FPOs bridge this gap by
establishing direct linkages between farmers and buyers, including

retailers, wholesalers, and food processing companies. This not
only ensures fair prices for the farmers but also helps create a stable
demand for millet in the market.

Case Studies:

1. Kalgudi Farmer Producer Company (KFPCL), Karnataka

KFPCL is an FPO based in Karnataka that has played a pivotal role
in reviving the cultivation of foxtail millet and other traditional

crops. By providing training and access to quality seeds, KFPCL
has increased the yield of foxtail millet among its members. The
organization also focuses on value addition, processing millet into
various products like millet-based snacks and flour, which have
gained popularity among health-conscious consumers.

2. Dharmapuri Organic Farmers Producer Company
(DOFPC), Tamil Nadu

DOFPC in Tamil Nadu promotes organic farming practices, including

millet cultivation. By encouraging chemical-free farming, the FPO
has not only improved the health of the soil but also increased the
income of its members. DOFPC’s millet-based products, such as
ready-to-cook millet mixes and millet noodles, have found a market

75 Millets: 2023