Abstract

Paddy is main crop of Chhattisgarh, however, millets are important food for sustaining tribal population in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India. Keeping in view of livelihood importance of minor millets for Bastar tribes, the present enquiry related to its production, marketing and processing was proposed to undertaken in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. Out of total millets grower farmers, 10% farmers were selected randomly from four purposively selected villages namely Bhataguda, Turenar, Kalcha and Kumhrawand. The details enquiry was done in the year 2008 to 2009. The major findings of this study revealed that average cropping intensity was observed to be 103.36% in the study area, the average size of holding was 2.67 ha. On an average cost of cultivation per hectare of Kodo was calculated as Rs.2866.75, kutki Rs.2751.01 and ragi Rs.3342.10 per hectare, respectively. On an average, input-output ratio in Kodo, Kutki and Ragi was 1:1.33, 1:1.28 and 1:3.25, respectively. The total marketing cost paid by the retailers was Rs.32.60 per quintal. The sale price of producer came to Rs.395.00 and Rs.400.00 in channel-I and channel-II, respectively. The study suggested that it is essential to adopt the production system approach of linking the production technology and credit system in minor millets cultivation. There is no support price for procurement for minor millets, for the survival of these crops government must declare minimum support price.

Key words: Minor millets, cost of cultivation, marketing, farmers.