A major agricultural initiative is currently underway in the Chitrakoot district of Bundelkhand to revitalize the cultivation and commercialization of coarse grains, officially categorized as Shri Ann. A state-of-the-art coarse grain processing unit is being constructed within the premises of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ganiwa at an estimated cost of Rs 60 lakh, funded through the District Mineral Fund. Construction work has reached its final phase, paving the way for local farmers to process their produce locally without needing to transport crops to distant markets.
Historically, Chitrakoot was well-regarded for its extensive farming of traditional coarse grains. Regional farmers regularly cultivated nutrient-dense crops such as sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), kodo millet, kutki, barnyard millet (sanwa), foxtail millet (kakun), and finger millet (ragi). However, over time, the absence of local processing infrastructure and direct sales outlets created significant bottlenecks. Farmers were forced to travel to neighboring districts to sell their harvested crops, incurring steep freight charges and losing valuable time. Consequently, escalating logistics costs severely squeezed profit margins, leading to a sharp decline in coarse grain farming across the region.
District Administration's Outreach to Local Farmers
To reverse this downward trend, the district administration launched a focused revival campaign. District Magistrate Pulkit Garg engaged in direct discussions with local farmers, highlighting the nutritional value, market potential, and government support available for coarse grains. Encouraged by these interactive sessions, farmers agreed to resume cultivating traditional millet varieties. Recognizing that long-term sustainability required infrastructure support, the administration prioritized establishing a local processing and marketing network.
Rs 60 Lakh Infrastructure in Final Phase
The construction of the processing center at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ganiwa represents a crucial step toward empowering local agricultural producers. Built at a cost of approximately Rs 60 lakh, the facility is nearing completion. Structural fabrication and exterior painting of the building have already been finished. Furthermore, the first consignment of processing machinery has arrived on-site, with installation and testing scheduled to be completed shortly.
Production of Flour, Ladoos, and Biscuits
Once fully operational, farmers in Chitrakoot will be able to process their harvested sorghum, pearl millet, kodo, kutki, barnyard millet, foxtail millet, and finger millet at predetermined, affordable rates. The processing unit will convert raw grains into value-added consumer products, including nutritious flour, ladoos, biscuits, and ready-to-eat items. These products will be professionally packaged and marketed, enabling farmers to command significantly higher prices compared to selling raw unprocessed grain.
Boosting Local Employment and Micro-Enterprises
District Magistrate Pulkit Garg noted that the processing unit will deliver dual economic benefits by reducing transportation expenses for farmers and stimulating the local rural economy. Commercial packaging and distribution of Shri Ann products are expected to spur small-scale food processing units and cottage industries across Chitrakoot. Additionally, the operational value chain, spanning processing, packaging, and retail supply, will generate new direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth and women.
