Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Rahul Sahu

Abstract:
Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn), also known as Ragi, is an important staple food in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state. It is rich in protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, fibre and vitamin content. During the last few years, demand of finger millet has been increased at urban as well as city market and it is expected that this will lead to doubling of Ragi production that can be easily transformed in convenient forms. The higher production should be transformed into value added products and is present need across the globe. Considering this phenomenon targeted tribal people are trained and enabled in this direction. Therefore, by involving scientific intervention by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bastar working in area of improving the livelihood of farmers, an effort has been made to enhance income source of tribal farmers. The women of three Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of viz. Maa Lakshi, Bajrangbali and Maa Parvati of block – Bastanar from Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, were trained for utilization of finger millet into Production of various value-added products. Hygienic, good quality, nutritious Multigrain flour and Ragi malt were prepared by the groups and sold via local wholesale system. Remarkable result revealed and earned profit worth of `1060.00 to `1515.00 from per quintal of the product. This effort has shown a way for enhancing the economic potential of tribal farmers in the Bastar region.