TNI Bureau: BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has urged the Centre to establish a National Millet, Tribal Agro-Processing and GI Products Mega Food Park for the undivided Koraput region comprising Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts of Odisha.

During his meeting with Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan in New Delhi, Sasmit Patra submitted a detailed proposal highlighting the untapped potential of the region in millet cultivation, tribal agriculture, organic farming, GI-tagged products and agro-processing industries.

In his proposal, Dr. Patra stated that the Koraput region has one of the country’s richest millet ecosystems along with traditional tribal farming practices, Koraput Coffee production and GI-tagged Kalajeera Rice. However, he pointed out that the region still lacks integrated food-processing and value-addition infrastructure.

He said the proposed Mega Food Park under the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana could play a major role in improving tribal livelihoods, promoting women-led rural enterprises, boosting agro-based exports and supporting sustainable industrial growth in southern Odisha.

The proposal includes establishment of millet processing and value-addition facilities, Koraput Coffee processing and export infrastructure, Kalajeera Rice packaging and export promotion systems, tribal agro-processing units, organic food infrastructure, food testing and certification facilities, and cold-chain systems. It also focuses on integrating women self-help groups and Farmer Producer Organisations into the processing ecosystem.

Sasmit said the proposal aligns with the vision of former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to empower tribal farmers, women producers and indigenous communities through food processing, value addition and rural enterprise development.

He further stated that despite Koraput’s national recognition for millet and tribal agriculture, the region is yet to get a dedicated Mega Food Park tailored to its agricultural strengths, unlike several other states that have developed crop-specific food-processing ecosystems.

Sasmit expressed hope that the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries would consider the proposal positively, citing its potential to create employment opportunities, increase farmers’ income, strengthen exports and drive long-term development in southern Odisha.