Introduction of Ragi in Supplementary Nutrition Programme in Chhattisgarh

Summary of the Initiative

In year 2018, State Government of Chhattisgarh, under Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojna, introduced Finger millets (ragi) in Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP). Under Take Home Ration, ready-to-eat food packet comprising ragi, wheat, soyabean, bengal gram, sugar, groundnut and fortified soya bean oil is distributed to 6months to 6 years children, pregnant and lactating women, severely malnourished children and 11 to 14 years adolescent girls.

Situation before the Initiative

As per NFHS-4 (2015-16) data, about 37.7% children below 5years are malnourished and about 47% women in the age group of 15 to 49 years are anemic in Chhattisgarh.

Nature of the Initiative

Chhattisgarh introduced Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojna, a Chief Minister’s initiative Scheme for reducing malnutrition which has been a major challenge in the State. Under Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojna, all beneficiaries are getting hot cooked meals, kodo-kutki khichdi, ragi halwa and nutrition supplements like ragi laddu, egg, fruit, dalia, laddu etc. Reimbursement for the expenditure incurred in the implementation of this Yojna is done by the District Mineral Fund (DMF), CSR and other local funds available at the district level. Some Districts have started their own initiatives under the Scheme to introduce millets in their ICDS. Some of the initiatives undertaken by the districts are highlighted below:

• Kanker: Kanker has started Kanker Kilkari project under this Yojna. From February 2021 ragi halwa and kodo kutki khichadi are provided to children in the age group of 6 months to 5 years, pregnant and lactating women. The budget for this is made available by the DMF fund of the district. These millets (kodo, kutki and ragi) are supplied by the Agriculture Department.
• Kondagaon: Started kodo millets and little millets (kutki) khichadi under the Yojna in May 2021. It is provided to 2 to 6 years malnourished children. The budget for this is made available by the Tribal department and are being supplied by Women’s SHGs.

• Raigarh: Introduced Ragi in 5 blocks of the district on 15th September 2021. Ragi laddu is given to 6 months to 3 years malnourished children, 3 to 6 years children and pregnant women. The budget for this is made available by CSR funds. Ragi laddu mix is supplied by women SHGs.

Impact of the Initiative

The major impact of this Yojna are as follows:

• Awareness creation related to millets, introduction of millets based recipes and motivate community to conserve and preserve the traditional millets recipes. Awareness enhancement regarding cultivation and use of millets in daily diet, which will ultimately lead to reduction of malnutrition and anemia.
• Establishing effective coordination and better convergence among the various departments concerned for millets promotion and better nutrition status.

Source : Promoting millets in Diets Best Practices across States/UTs of India - NITI Aayog