Madhya Pradesh to Boost Millets Production: Sitahi Kutki, Nagdaman Kutki, and Purple Arhar Set to Receive GI Tags; How Farmers in Tribal Districts Reap Benefits
Bhopal: Three crops native to Madhya Pradesh—Sitahi Kutki, Nagdaman Kutki, and Purple Pigeon Pea—are soon set to receive Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Proposals for all three crops have been prepared and submitted to the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai for examination.
During the 'Farmers' Welfare Year' (Kishak Kalyan Varsh) of 2026, the state government is actively working on a strategy to boost the production of 'Shri Anna' (millets). Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is encouraging farmers in tribal-dominated regions to preserve and cultivate traditional millets such as Kodo and Kutki.
Driven by their medicinal properties and high nutritional value, the world is now turning back towards millets. The global demand for millets is on the rise, and they have now emerged as a crop offering significant economic benefits to farmers.
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the procurement of Kodo and Kutki millets from farmers is currently underway at a rate of Rs 1,000 per quintal under the 'Rani Durgavati Shri Anna Promotion Scheme.' To facilitate this procurement, over 22,000 farmers have been registered under the scheme. These registered farmers collectively cultivate an area spanning 21,000 hectares. Under this initiative, procurement operations are being conducted for the very first time across 16 districts of the state. These districts include Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Dindori, Chhindwara, Shahdol, Anuppur, Umaria, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Maihar, Balaghat, Seoni, Sidhi, and Singrauli.
Sitahi Kutki
Sitahi Kutki is an indigenous variety of 'Little Millet' (a type of small-grained millet) characterized by a short growth cycle of just 60 days. It is particularly well-suited for cultivation in rain-fed regions and in situations involving delayed sowing. It is capable of withstanding the onslaught of drought, moisture deficits, and major pests (such as the shoot fly), as well as diseases like 'Grain Smut' and 'Brown Spot.' Thus, it proves instrumental in ensuring a stable yield for farmers.
Due to its moderate height and sturdy stems, 'Sitahi Kutki' is not prone to lodging (falling over). It can be successfully cultivated even in hilly, rugged terrains and in areas with poor soil quality. It holds the potential to generate substantial income for farmers belonging to the 'Baiga' and 'Gond' tribes of Dindori.
The expansion of 'Sitahi Kutki' cultivation across 10,395 hectares in Dindori—coupled with a consistent yield of 10–11 quintals per hectare—has significantly bolstered the livelihood, food security, and nutritional well-being of the local population. Approximately 60,000 tribal farmers across various tribal districts—specifically those in Dindori, Mandla, Anuppur, Chhindwara, Shahdol, Umaria, Balaghat, and parts of Jabalpur—stand to gain economically by boosting their crop yields.
Farmers across 54 villages situated in the hilly and challenging terrains of Dindori have already reaped profits from this initiative. Notably, these specific regions are otherwise unsuitable for the cultivation of other Rabi (winter) crops.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University (JNKVV), Jabalpur, has prepared the necessary documentation to secure a 'Geographical Indication' (GI) tag for 'Sitahi Kutki.' This initiative is expected to establish a distinct brand identity for 'Sitahi Kutki' at the national level, thereby unlocking new market opportunities. Ultimately, this will translate into significant economic benefits for the tribal farmers engaged in millet cultivation.
Nagdaman Kutki and Purple Arhar
'Nagdaman Kutki' is a distinct local variety of Kutki millet cultivated within the Dindori district. It is highly prized for its medicinal properties and exceptional nutritional value.
'Purple Arhar' is, in essence, a specialized variety of the Arhar (Pigeon Pea) pulse. It is characterized by a distinct purplish hue visible on its foliage and pods. Rich in protein, this variety also possesses a remarkable inherent resistance to various plant diseases. With proper care, yields can reach up to 15 to 20 quintals per hectare.
Benefits of the GI Tag
These millets are renowned for its medicinal properties and high nutritional value. The conferral of a GI tag will guarantee the purity and quality of these grains. It will boost demand in international markets and garner global recognition, thereby driving up sales. Furthermore, it will serve as proof that the crop adheres to established quality standards.
Production in Tribal Regions
In tribal districts, farmers are being encouraged to conserve all varieties of Kodo-Kutki millet and to increase their production. Farmers in districts such as Sidhi, Jabalpur, Dindori, Mandla, and Chhindwara have been actively engaged in this initiative.
In the Sahariya-dominated district of Sheopur, millet-based dishes are being utilized to combat malnutrition among tribal children. Anganwadi workers and the staff of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) have been trained in preparing millet-based recipes and have been educated regarding the nutritional benefits of these grains.
Currently, Kodo-Kutki is being cultivated across 130 acres in the district, involving the participation of approximately 200 farmers. This initiative has yielded positive results, leading to improved nutritional levels and better health outcomes for 2,000 children.
In the Samnapur block of Dindori district, women farmers have been integrated into Kodo-Kutki production activities. On average, each woman farmer cultivates a landholding of 2.5 acres. This initiative currently involves 1,250 women farmers across 32 villages who are actively engaged in cultivation. Over the past two years, the production of Kodo-Kutki has witnessed a significant increase.