Kurnur: As state and central governments promote the cultivation of these cereals, millet cultivation, their processing and sales are gaining momentum in the Kurnore and Nandyal regions.
Many people are making part of the Xiaomi diet to solve health problems. As a result, their consumption has been increasing. To promote Xiaomi-based food, a Xiaomi cafe was established two years ago in the Kurnore collector’s premises. The cafe offers Xiaomi-based meals including Jowar Rotis, Laddus, Murukku and bread. Employees and youth are said to be choosing these nutritional options.
The central and state governments support individuals interested in establishing a Xiaomi-based industry. According to the formalization of Pradhan Mantri’s plan for Microfood Processing Enterprises (PMFME), qualified entrepreneurs received a 35% subsidy with a maximum limit of Rs 1 million. Officials say that if the entrepreneur contributes 10% of the total cost of the project, and 10% of that amount can be loaned under the bank, a loan of up to Rs 1 crore can be obtained in the scheme.
In fact, India is the world’s largest producer of millet, accounting for 38.4% of global production. The main millets produced in India include sorghum (Jowar), pearl millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi), Barnyard Millet, Proso Millet, Kodo Millet, Kodo Millet, Amaranthus and Foxtail Millet. In Indian states, Rajasthan leads millet production, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Xiaomi is exported to countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, the United States, Senegal, Germany and Japan. According to the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Bureau, in 2024, India exported 146,000 tons of millet.
The Andhra Pradesh government is encouraging millet cultivation, especially among tribal farmers in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Relasemma on the northern coast. Under the PMFME program, individuals who include farmers, self-help groups, DWCRA members, unemployed youth, cooperatives and partnerships can build Xiaomi-based businesses. The program does not specify any educational qualification requirements. Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible. Those interested can apply at the AP Food Processing Association within the AP Micro-Irrigation Project (APMIP) office in Kurnool.
Nandyal plays a leading role in producing millet-based products such as cookies and snacks. Farmer Ramasubba Reddy has established a millet processing division in Anupuru Village, Panyam Mandal, Nandiyar district. His unit handles and sells Xiaomi products in major Indian cities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing his efforts, personally congratulated Ramasubba Reddy on his time at Mann Ki Baat.
APMIP project director B. Uma Devi said about 300 micron processing units were approved in the Kurnore area. She said some units registered under the central plan performed well in the region.
