Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products (CIFSRF Phase 2)
Small millets have superior nutritional qualities and climate resilience, but small millet production and consumption in many South Asian countries, such as India, remains low. This project will address the challenge with research that will scale up small millet processing and value-added technologies. Technology solutions to improve processing Processing millets for modern food preparation is difficult, but new and practical innovations can make the grain easier to process, sell, and consume. This project will scale up use of two small millet production innovations developed through IDRC-funded research: improved post-harvest processing equipment and new millet-based food products. Engineers from Canada and India have developed two low-cost machines that farming communities, entrepreneurs, and food producers can easily use to separate the outer husk from the millet seed. This is a laborious and time-consuming job typically done by women. The innovation will increase local production and opportunities to use these micronutrient-rich grains in healthy food products. Advancing knowledge and healthy options Building on previous research that developed 40 new millet-based snack foods, baked goods, and other products, the research team will work with local communities, especially women's self-help groups, to implement this project. The project will take a supply chain approach to test interventions at different levels in the production-to-consumption system. This includes testing new ways to provide customized business development support to small- and medium-sized enterprises, training micro enterprises and farmer organizations, and linking key supply chain players. The research team will also provide support to equipment manufacturers to ensure they have the capacity and capabilities to provide dehullers and other equipment that meet the processing needs of villages, micro-enterprises, and other companies. Small scale, large impact By the end of the project, two new business models will be tested to help governments and companies expand millet production and distribution across India and beyond. The project will increase capacity within at least five companies to manufacture different dehulling and processing equipment. These companies will serve villages, micro-enterprises, and large food producers. The project will also increase skills and knowledge at 10 small enterprises (e.g., hotels), 150 micro-enterprises (e.g., street vendors), and three farmer organizations to market appealing, ready-to-eat small millet products to more than 120,000 consumers. This project is funded under the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF), a program of IDRC undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
Project ID
108128
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
27 months
IDRC Officer
Annie Wesley
Total Funding
CA$ 1,463,389.00
Location
India
Programs
Agriculture and Food Security
Canadian International Food Security Research Fund
Institution Country
India
Project Leader
Karthikeyan Muniappan
Institution
[Executive Director] for and on behalf of DHAN (Development of Humane Action) Foundation
Institution Website
Institution Country
Canada
Project Leader
Vijaya Raghavan
Institution
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
Institution Website
Outputs
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National policy workshop on mainstreaming small millets in our diets : synthesis of recommendations Report
As part of the larger project: “Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products” the policy workshop acted “To discuss and develop concrete policy support needed for mainstreaming small millets at State and Central Government levels in improving production; development of decentralized processing infrastructure; market development; and promoting household consumption.” These points are elaborated upon in detail in this report, including discussions on “Guidelines for Setting up a Small Millet Processing Unit”, and policy support needed for market development for small millets. Recommendations recognize that government policy, investment and support are essential. Author(s): Language: English |
Reducing barriers to millet production and consumption in India : project profile Brief
Practical innovations are helping to increase millet consumption and farmer incomes by making it easier to process, sell, and consume millets. New post-harvest processing equipment reduces dehulling time by 70-90%, freeing up women for other agricultural and entrepreneurial activities; better business models help governments and companies expand millet production and distribution across India and throughout Asia and Africa where small millet production remains a key crop for smallholder farmers. This project profile provides updates on next steps. Author(s): Karthikeyan, Muniappan, Raghavan, Vijaya Language: English |
Integrated local and regional small millet value chain development Report
As part of a larger project “Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products,” the presentation outlines local and regional value chain development for small millets, where millet foods need to transform from “niche foods” to “mass foods.” It describes efforts to scale up processing infrastructure and promote consumption of a once traditional grain food. Regional value chain development is happening as a result of: media action to market demand generation; a supportive role of Government; and private actors including processors, equipment manufacturers, and food enterprises that have adopted significant roles. Supply chain constraints are numerous. Author(s): Muniappan, Karthikeyan Language: English |
Strengthening value chain actors for scaling up the reach of nutrition-dense small millets Report
The presentation outlines local and regional value chain development for small millets, where millet foods need to transform from “niche foods” to “mass foods.” As part of a larger project, “Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products” this presentation describes initiatives to scale up processing infrastructure and consumption of a once traditional grain food. By improving production, decentralizing grain processing and strengthening food enterprises, regional value chain development is enhanced. Other factors that support this development are farmers’ access to varietal diversity, introduction of improved harvesting machinery, and support for better organised production, storage and marketing of millet food products. Author(s): Muniappan, Karthikeyan Language: English |
Réduction des obstacles à la production et à la consommation des mils en Inde : profil de projet Dossiers
Des ingénieurs du Canada et de l’Inde ont conçu des machines à faible coût qui peuvent être utilisées facilement par des communautés agricoles, des entrepreneurs et des producteurs d’aliments pour décortiquer les grains, un travail laborieux et fastidieux fait à la main par les femmes. Cette innovation augmentera la production de ces grains riches en oligo-éléments et les occasions de les intégrer à des produits alimentaires nutritifs à l’échelle locale. Author(s): Karthikeyan, Muniappan, Raghavan, Vijaya Language: French |
Annex 2.12 : Research initiatives for addressing the technology gaps in primary processing of small millets Report
Benchmark design features are provided to guide new designs of hulling machines for small millets. This Annex is part of a larger project “Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products.” Details of the development of new hullers are given in this report. Trials were conducted on several varieties of millets. More trials with different specific gravity separators are necessary, so that suitable models can be recommended to small millet processors. Prototypes and methods of grain processing are described and discussed, illustrated with clear photographs. Machine performance and efficiencies are presented, as well as improved storage innovations. Author(s): DHAN Foundation, McGill University, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Language: English |
Annex 2.14 : Comprehensive support package for MSMES in millet sector - a policy study Report
This annex report supplies a framework for the central and state governments of India towards development of a comprehensive policy promoting vibrant Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the millet sector. The millet industry is nascent and faces a number of challenges, foremost among them being lack of access to markets. The report provides a detailed breakdown of the status of millet production and consumption with recommendations for support of businesses, including policy determination, as part of the larger project: Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products. Author(s): Language: English |
Assessment report of existing small millet processing equipment in India Study
Efforts were taken to assess and improve existing small millet processing machines with the following objectives in mind: 1) improve the quantity and quality of output 2) reduce drudgery in processing 3) improve ease of use maintenance, safety and stability, and 4) reduce footprint and cost of the machinery. Detailed analysis of processing equipment capacity and efficiencies are provided in this report along with clear illustrations. Recommendations and suggested changes in the existing small millet processing equipment are summarized. The report is part of a broader programme: Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products. Author(s): Language: English |
Annex 2.11 : A photo essay on interventions to support Pushcart Millet Porridge Vendors Tamil Nadu Training Materials
This photo essay depicts the kinds of training that were delivered towards increasing capacity and improving food safety for food vendors in Tamil Nadu, one part of the larger project “Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products.” The report shows “before and after” photos of food cart refurbishing with new signage, types of containers, food hygiene practices, millet recipe preparation and training for diversification of food products and sales, as well as simple personal hygiene practices such as wearing an apron. Author(s): Language: English |
Guidelines for setting up a small millet processing unit : scaling up small millet post-harvest and nutritious food products project Training Materials
Development of Humane Action (DHAN) Foundation in India has prepared this booklet of Guidelines as part of the “Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products Project,” keeping in mind the needs of new entrants into the small millets processing sector. The booklet covers: 1) Processing of small millets; 2) Choosing equipment based on planned scale of operation; 3) Accessories and tools; 4) Testing equipment at the manufacturers site; and 5) Installation of equipment. It also shares support offered by the DHAN Foundation for new entrants. Author(s): DHAN Foundation Language: English |
Annex 2.13 : Development of a millet dehuller (hand-operated ) - A M.Sc. thesis abstract Study
The study aimed to develop a simple hand operated, table-top millet dehuller to reduce processing drudgery at household levels. Its performance was evaluated on the ability to dehull different millet varieties, namely, foxtail (Setaria italica), barnyard (Echinochloa colona) and kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum) millets. This thesis abstract describes millet dehulling for human consumption as tiresome work due to millets’ small size and the unavailability of processing equipment. Drudgery is one of the reasons millets are less favoured for household consumption. Dehulling practices can be made simpler and more efficient by adopting and developing appropriate processing technology. Author(s): Palaniswamy, Subhash Language: English |
Helping agribusinesses - small millets value chain - to grow in India Article
This commentary establishes a roadmap towards improving agribusinesses within the Indian small millets value chain, which can impact livelihoods, the environment and health. Despite substantial benefits, the small millets industry has declined, due to lack of demand stimulation, and decreasing or stagnant cultivation. Data and inferences for the value chain analysis were collated from a combination of discussions with stakeholders at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, surveys, and published articles. The proposed business model seeks to make the most desirable millet products with best pricing, specifically promoting information sharing, innovation, collaboration, and feedback loops within the value chain. Author(s): Adekunle, Ademola, Lyew, Darwin, Orsat, Valérie, Raghavan, Vijaya Language: English |
Scaling up small millet post-harvest and nutritious food products : project story Brief
This successful project developed efficient and user-friendly equipment for de-hulling and processing small millets, increasing production and reducing women’s drudgery. Business models supported equipment manufacturers’ capacity to produce and sell more dehulling machines, paving the way for the development of decentralized small millet processing infrastructure in Eastern and Central India. The project brief covers details of this multi-faceted project to increase dietary diversity with a climate resilient gluten-free local “superfood.” Equipment manufacturers supplied 173 small millet processing units to 54 districts in 10 states. Over a thousand tonnes of millet rice and grits have been produced, reaching 288,500 consumers across 10 states. Author(s): Language: English |
Promoting processing infrastructure for small millets : a policy brief Brief
The role of Government is critical in promoting decentralised processing infrastructure for small millets: support for existing and new equipment manufacturers; support for product standardization; development of a business hub; training for equipment mechanics; and tax incentives are some of the recommendations advanced in this brief. To create an environment conducive to production and consumption of small millets, establishment of vibrant village and regional level processing infrastructure is key. The emergence of regional processing units in Southern India due to availability of appropriate small scale machineries has shortened the value chain, supporting potential increase in local and regional consumption. Author(s): Muniappan, Karthikeyan Language: English |
Small millets in mainstream diets : promoting decentralised processing infrastructure Brief
Small millets are climate smart crops and can be grown in the most marginal areas, adaptable to a wide range of growing environments. Inadequate availability of appropriate scale processing technology and lack of local/ regional processing infrastructure development remain limiting factors for enhancing the status of small millets in mainstream diets. There is need for fine-tuning the existing small millet processing machines to optimize dehulling technologies. The policy brief outlines factors conducive to scaling up production and processing of small millets. Author(s): Karthikeyan, M. Language: English |
Annex 2.3 : Millet usage and attitude study Report
This annex report is part of a broader study for understanding millet consumption, habits and practices in India: Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products Research - findings on a Usage & Attitude study across Urban as well as Rural areas of India. It presents a summary of findings from Indianet marketing research agency, which was commissioned to conduct the research. The overall proportion of Millet sales out of 100% grain sales was between 1-10% compared to Rice 40% and Wheat another 40%. The report contains detailed qualitative and quantitative information in support of programme objectives. Author(s): Language: English |
CIFSRF final technical report : Scaling up small millet post-harvest and nutritious food products project (CIFSRF Phase 2) Report
This report details the scaling up of two innovations: 1) appropriate scale small millet hulling and processing machines 2) development and production of appealing small millet foods. The project employed “on-site business incubation” of small and medium enterprises, and customised capacity building of cottage enterprises and Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs). 26 cottage enterprises, two micro enterprises and 14 NGOs have begun production and marketing of small-millet-based food products. 173 processing units have been supplied for small millet processing in 54 districts in 10 States; 1015 tonnes of millet rice and grits have been produced, reaching 288,500 consumers. Author(s): Muniappan, Karthikeyan, Raghavan, Vijaya, Nachimuthu, Varadharaj, Raveendran, Malathi, Panaiyuran, Saravanan, Vediyappan, Vediyappan, Nayak, Bijaya Kumar Language: English |
Awareness posters on small millets : English Training Materials
Nutritional advantages, food quality, and environmental benefits can all be derived from the inclusion of small millets in the diet. The poster promotes awareness, use and consumption of small millets, with a visual guide to identification of varieties and their salient features. Small millet products can substitute for anything made from rice, and the poster reinforces the positive health and environmental benefits of replacing rice with small millet grains. Varietal diversity, cultivated area and consumption have declined drastically in the last two decades in India. Author(s): Muniappan, Karthikeyan Language: English |
Multi millet based instant therapeutic foods Training Materials
Millets have high nutritive value comparable to that of major cereals such as wheat and rice. Potential health benefits are attributed to consumption of millets such as prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes; reducing tumour incidence; lowering blood pressure, risk of heart disease, cholesterol and rate of fat absorption; delaying gastric emptying; and supplying gastro intestinal bulk. This booklet is compiled by the Post Harvest Technology Centre Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute and presents recipes using millets. Author(s): Language: English |
Multi small millets based food products Training Materials
The manual is a recipe booklet for millet-based bakery products, dosa and chapati mixtures, pasta and vermicelli from millet flours; recipes for instant millet mixes, cookies, sweets and main courses preparation. The manual functions as part of a much larger project “Scaling Up Small Millet Post-Harvest and Nutritious Food Products” which involves grain production and processing, food manufacturers and developers, street vending and food sales, as well as increasing and improving household consumption patterns and nutrition. Author(s): Language: English |
Protocol for trainers on training (ToT) on small millet recipe demonstration Training Materials
This protocol for trainers on training (ToT) for recipe demonstration is part of the “Scaling up Small Millet Post Harvest and Nutritious Food Products” project and is designed for organizations interested in promoting small millet consumption within local food systems. The training material provides detailed instructions for selecting participants from specific areas, how to organize content, how to demonstrate recipes, and a technical bulletin on value added products from small millets. Recipe demonstration is an effective method for building the attitude, skills and knowledge of citizens on nutritious, appealing and locally relevant recipes of marginalized foods like small millets. Author(s): Language: English |
Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) : reducing barriers to millet production and consumption in India Brief
Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF)-supported projects are implementing innovations to increase millet consumption and farmer incomes by making it easier to process, sell, and consume millets. Innovations include the development of post-harvest processing equipment that has reduced dehulling time by 70-90%, freeing up women for other agricultural and entrepreneurial activities. The machines have other advantages: higher quality grain with less bran loss, ease in separating grains, and the ability to dehull multiple types of small millets. This one-page brief describes a successful program for increasing food security. Author(s): Language: English |