Value Chain “Analysis of Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana) for Improving Economic Status of Hill Farmers in Uttarakhand, India.

Abstract

In Uttarakhand hills farmers cultivate Finger Millet in a large area in rainfed condition but do not get proper dividend for this. This food-grain is rich in minerals and contains slow digesting protein, thus has a strong potential for making healthy foods. Other than the local traditional preparations various other value added products viz. biscuits, namkeen, idli, dosa, cake etc. can also be made from this. In the present study Porter’s Value Chain Model (1985) was used for analysis. Focus group discussions with farmers in Raun-Dal, Bimoula, Latwal Gaon, and Naugaon villages were done. Personal interviews were also conducted with 30 respondents who were representatives of various NGOs from different parts of Uttarakhand State. To improve the primary activities in the value chain, improvements suggested for Inbound Logistics were (a) procurement of Finger Millet through government agency at MSP (80%); (b) government support to farmers and entrepreneurs to crate storage facilities (66%); (c) training of entrepreneurs, SHGs and traders on improved crop production practices, processing and storage (56%). Improvement suggested for Operations Activities were (a) ensuring supply of quality seeds and other inputs. (53%); (b) providing ragi threshers to farmers (46%) and (c) imparting training on value addition to entrepreneurs engaged in ragi processing. (33% ).