Keonjhar: The Keonjhar model where ‘Ragi Laddoo’ was introduced in morning snacks for preschool children under Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) programme to improve nutrition levels among the kids has garnered praise from Niti Aayog. The programme aimed at improving nutrition also plans to revive the age-old traditional culture of millet farming and consumption with providing additional employment support.
In its report on ‘Take Home Ration Good Practices across the States & Union Territories’ the Niti Aayog said, “It is a unique model in the country with producing, processing and consumption of millets. Ragi Laddoo was introduced in the district under ICDS in July 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which was first in the state.”
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Furthermore, based on the achieved success, it adds that the Keonjhar model is now set to be replicated across the DMF districts in the state. Keonjhar has undertaken millet cultivation under the technical support from Odisha Millets Mission and is taking strides to ensure that nutritious millet is consumed especially under the government programmes. Premix for ragi laddoo is prepared by the women self-help groups and supplied to different Anganwadi centers for the children.
According to sources, millet cultivation is going on in seven blocks in Keonjhar district with funds available from district mineral foundation (DMF). Taking into account the demands of millets, the administration is taking initiative to cultivate 2,500 acre land employing 4,900 farmers in the district in the financial year 2022-23.
