India, May 18 -- Odisha's flagship millet programme, Shree Anna Abhiyan, has seen its outlay reduced from Rs 600 crore to Rs 415 crore for 2026-27.

The nearly 31% cut has raised concerns among farmer groups, FPOs and civil society organisations, despite the scheme recording 93% fund utilisation in 2025-26.

The reduced allocation has shrunk the millet demonstration area from 150,000 hectares to 100,000 hectares.

Farmers say tribal and DMF blocks, as well as non-ragi millets such as little millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet and sorghum, need stronger support.

Farmer groups argue Odisha's shift from paddy to millets, pulses and oilseeds requires assured procurement, market support and institutional strengthening, not reduced public ...