Kodo-Kutki cultivation gives better production at low cost and less water. Farmers are getting new opportunities due to increasing demand, MSP and nutritional qualities.
Kodo and Kutki have a special place in the traditional agricultural system of Chhattisgarh. These small grains, which have been a part of the diet of people of tribal and rural areas for a long time, are now once again at the center of discussion in the agricultural sector. Amidst climate change, nutritional challenges and increasing need for sustainable farming, millet crops like Kodo-Kutki are emerging as important options for the future agricultural system.
Millets Cultivation Benefits: Better cultivation with less cost and less water
Kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum) and Kutki (Panicum sumatrans) are crops that can be easily grown with less water and limited resources. The cost of their cultivation is also relatively low. This is the reason why these crops are becoming a means of economic strength for small and marginal farmers. Their successful production is possible even in rocky, sloping and less fertile lands, where other crops often do not give better results.
Health Benefits of Kodo Kutki: Increased recognition as a superfood
In the era of increasing awareness towards health, the demand for Kodo and Kutki is continuously increasing. Protein, carbohydrate, iron and calcium are present in sufficient quantity in Kodo. Kutki is rich in fiber, protein, phosphorus and many essential mineral elements. Agriculture and health experts say that their regular consumption can prove helpful in controlling problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and anemia. This is the reason why today these millets are getting special recognition as ‘superfood’.
Chhattisgarh Government Support: Farmers excited due to increase in MSP
Chhattisgarh government is also continuously taking steps to encourage millet crops. For the year 2026, the minimum support price (MSP) of Kodo has been fixed at Rs 3,200 per quintal and the MSP of Kutki has been fixed at Rs 3,350 per quintal. This has increased the chances of farmers getting better prices and their inclination towards these crops has also strengthened.
Kodo-Kutki Production: Production and area figures
According to the Agriculture Department, in the Kharif year 2025, Kodo was cultivated in about 39.02 hectare area and Kutki was cultivated in 38.03 hectare area in the state. In the last Kharif season, the average productivity of Kodo per hectare was recorded at 550 kg and that of Kutki was 675 kg. Overall production of Kodo was 21.46 tonnes and production of Kutki was 25.67 tonnes.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Appeal: Appeal to farmers to increase millet production
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has also urged the farmers to increase the production of nutritious crops like Kodo, Kutki and Ragi along with paddy. He believes that millet based farming can prove helpful in increasing the income of farmers and making agriculture more sustainable.
Modern Farming Techniques: Advanced technology can increase yield
Agricultural scientists say that if farmers adopt modern agricultural techniques, the productivity of Kodo and Kutki can be increased significantly. After the onset of monsoon, sowing is considered appropriate from the last week of June to the first fortnight of July. Apart from this, measures like seed treatment, row sowing, balanced fertilizer management and timely weed control play an important role in increasing production.
Millets Market Demand: Demand increased in national and international markets
Due to the increasing demand for millet based food products and government incentive schemes, the commercial importance of Kodo-Kutki is continuously increasing. Crops which were once limited only to rural and tribal areas are now making a strong mark in the national and international markets as well.
Nutrition Security and Sustainable Farming: The cornerstone of a better future
Kodo and Kutki are not only traditional grains but are also linked to nutritional security, environmental protection and economic prosperity of farmers. There is a need that farmers should promote the cultivation of these crops with modern technologies and consumers should include them in their daily diet. These millet crops can prove to be a strong foundation for a healthy society, sustainable agriculture and a prosperous future.